Sustainability

19 pages, 5935 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Compact Pigeon-Inspired Optimization for Maximum Short-Term Generation Mode in Cascade Hydroelectric Power Station

by Ai-Qing Tian, Shu-Chuan Chu, Jeng-Shyang Pan, Huanqing Cui and Wei-Min Zheng

Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030767 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 86 | Viewed by 4567

Pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) is a new type of intelligent algorithm. It is proposed that the algorithm simulates the movement of pigeons going home. In this paper, a new pigeon herding algorithm called compact pigeon-inspired optimization (CPIO) is proposed. The challenging task for multiple [...] Read more.

Pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) is a new type of intelligent algorithm. It is proposed that the algorithm simulates the movement of pigeons going home. In this paper, a new pigeon herding algorithm called compact pigeon-inspired optimization (CPIO) is proposed. The challenging task for multiple algorithms is not only combining operations, but also constraining existing devices. The proposed algorithm aims to solve complex scientific and industrial problems with many data packets, including the use of classical optimization problems and the ability to find optimal solutions in many solution spaces with limited hardware resources. A real-valued prototype vector performs probability and statistical calculations, and then generates optimal candidate solutions for CPIO optimization algorithms. The CPIO algorithm was used to evaluate a variety of continuous multi-model functions and the largest model of hydropower short-term generation. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is a more effective way to produce competitive results in the case of limited memory devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energies for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1210 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Valorization of Lignin as a Sustainable Component of Structural Materials and Composites: Advances from 2011 to 2019

by Menisha S. Karunarathna and Rhett C. Smith

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020734 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 10270

Abstract

Lignin is the most abundant aromatic biopolymer and is the sustainable feedstock most likely to supplant petroleum-derived aromatics and downstream products. Rich in functional groups, lignin is largely peerless in its potential for chemical modification towards attaining target properties. Lignin’s crosslinked network structure [...] Read more.

Lignin is the most abundant aromatic biopolymer and is the sustainable feedstock most likely to supplant petroleum-derived aromatics and downstream products. Rich in functional groups, lignin is largely peerless in its potential for chemical modification towards attaining target properties. Lignin’s crosslinked network structure can be exploited in composites to endow them with remarkable strength, as exemplified in timber and other structural elements of plants. Yet lignin may also be depolymerized, modified, or blended with other polymers. This review focuses on substituting petrochemicals with lignin derivatives, with a particular focus on applications more significant in terms of potential commercialization volume, including polyurethane, phenol-formaldehyde resins, lignin-based carbon fibers, and emergent melt-processable waste-derived materials. This review will illuminate advances from the last eight years in the prospective utilization of such lignin-derived products in a range of application such as adhesives, plastics, automotive components, construction materials, and composites. Particular technical issues associated with lignin processing and emerging alternatives for future developments are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Design, Processing, and Characterization of Functional, Smart and Sustainable Materials: Recent Advances)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2806 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Becoming Carbon Neutral in Costa Rica to Be More Sustainable: An AHP Approach

by Francisco J. André and Jorge A. Valenciano-Salazar

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020737 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5604

Abstract

We propose addressing an organization’s adoption of an environmental certification as a multicriteria problem considering environmental sustainability as well as economic and strategic aspects. Our methodological approach uses the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which we use in an empirical application to analyze the [...] Read more.

We propose addressing an organization’s adoption of an environmental certification as a multicriteria problem considering environmental sustainability as well as economic and strategic aspects. Our methodological approach uses the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which we use in an empirical application to analyze the adoption decision of several Costa Rican firms and institutions. Firstly, we select a set of economic, strategic, and environmental criteria that seem relevant for the organization’s direction. We select these criteria according to our literature review and a series of face-to-face interviews with scholars and companies’ managers. As an environmental certification, we focus on Carbon Neutral (CN), which is a domestic certification aimed at reducing or offsetting carbon emissions. For the sake of comparison, we also consider ISO 14001, which is a well-known international standard aimed at compliance with environmental norms. We conduct the AHP analysis using the answers given by 24 companies and institutions, which in aggregate terms, give CN a higher score than ISO 14001. This result is mainly due to the fact that CN ranks above ISO 14001 when attending to environmental sustainability, although ISO 14001 tends to be preferred in economic and strategic terms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability as a Multi-criteria Concept: New Developments and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1703 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Reflecting SDG 6.1 in Rural Water Supply Tariffs: Considering ‘Affordability’ Versus ‘Operations and Maintenance Costs’ in Malawi

by Jonathan P. Truslove, Andrea B. Coulson, Muthi Nhlema, Emma Mbalame and Robert M. Kalin

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020744 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5955

Abstract

Local tariffs in the form of household contributions are the primary financial mechanism to fund the maintenance of rural water supplies in Malawi. An investigation was conducted into the tariffs set by rural service providers to sustain drilled boreholes equipped with Afridev handpumps. [...] Read more.

Local tariffs in the form of household contributions are the primary financial mechanism to fund the maintenance of rural water supplies in Malawi. An investigation was conducted into the tariffs set by rural service providers to sustain drilled boreholes equipped with Afridev handpumps. A binary logistic regression analysis identified significant explanatory variables for the most common identified considerations when setting tariffs, ‘affordability’ and ‘operations and maintenance (O&M) costs’. The results demonstrate tariffs collected less frequently and usage above the design limit of the Afridev (300 users) had lower odds of considering affordability and higher odds of considering O&M costs, than those collected per month and within the design limit. The results further suggest a recognition by service providers of an increased maintenance challenge. High usage, acquiring spare parts, and the collection of tariffs when repairs are required indicate an increased likelihood of considering O&M costs, conversely to considering affordability. The balance of affordability and sustainable maintenance is a perpetual challenge under decentralised service delivery. Investment into ongoing support and supply chains is required for the financial and operational requirements of water supply, to ensure payments for services does not prevent access to clean water at the local level and to achieve the 2030 agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2381 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Climate Change Mitigation: Application of Management Production Philosophies for Energy Saving in Industrial Processes

by Angels Niñerola, Ramon Ferrer-Rullan and Antoni Vidal-Suñé

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020717 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4576

Abstract

Climate change is a fact. Global warming of the planet is a result of the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the cause of serious sustainability issues. The objective of this article is to highlight the potential of the Six Sigma [...] Read more.

Climate change is a fact. Global warming of the planet is a result of the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the cause of serious sustainability issues. The objective of this article is to highlight the potential of the Six Sigma methodology to reduce energy consumption in the productive sphere, with consequential reductions in pollutant emissions. We present a systematic literature review that highlights the increasing interest from academics and practitioners in using quality management philosophies for addressing sustainability issues. From the analysis carried out, it is clear that Lean is being used in this regard but the potential of Six Sigma is not being exploited. Taking advantage of the best of both approaches (Lean Six Sigma) can contribute to reducing energy consumption in industrial processes and contribute to mitigating the impacts of those processes on climate change. Moreover, through keyword analysis, we found that the three dimensions of sustainability are currently gaining importance in the literature, when previously only the economic pillar was relevant. Finally, we raise some questions for reflection for academics but also for practitioners, as the problem is a global problem that should be faced by all the community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1678 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Framework of the Principles of Sustainable Urban Ecosystems Development and Functioning

by Gabriele Cepeliauskaite and Zaneta Stasiskiene

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020720 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6138

Abstract

Nowadays, the increasing rate of human population in urban areas and the importance of urban functions pose a number of ecological cross-boundary challenges. The scientific research of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries revealed dramatic consequences of human intervention into natural ecosystems. The outcome [...] Read more.

Nowadays, the increasing rate of human population in urban areas and the importance of urban functions pose a number of ecological cross-boundary challenges. The scientific research of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries revealed dramatic consequences of human intervention into natural ecosystems. The outcome of inadequate consumerism, which promotes industrial growth, and the pursuit of a better life is not only damaging to the natural ecosystems, but will eventually lead the World to dramatic climate change outcomes. Therefore, scientists are looking for ways for sustainable urban transformation without endangering the human population and the environment. According to the identified assumptions, the article investigates the principles of sustainable urban ecosystems. The authors consistently seek to explain the concept of sustainable urban ecosystems in both a broad and narrow sense, focusing on the individual constructs of this term—sustainability, city and ecosystems. The theories and approaches of urbanization and ecosystems are also analyzed in the article in order to highlight the opportunities and specific features of the application. The principles of sustainable urban ecosystems are provided in the modeled system which exposes the interfaces of identified principles and can be used for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2722 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cultural and Natural Resources in Tourism Island: Bibliometric Mapping

by María de la Cruz del Río-Rama, Claudia Patricia Maldonado-Erazo, José Álvarez-García and Amador Durán-Sánchez

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020724 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 5883

Abstract

Island ecosystems have very specific physical, economic and socio-cultural characteristics, which are shared by most of these ecosystems regardless of their geographical area. These characteristics include well defined geographical boundaries that lead to a greater degree of isolation, lack of economically exploitable resources, [...] Read more.

Island ecosystems have very specific physical, economic and socio-cultural characteristics, which are shared by most of these ecosystems regardless of their geographical area. These characteristics include well defined geographical boundaries that lead to a greater degree of isolation, lack of economically exploitable resources, great external dependence for consumption, cultural and natural heritage with a high uniqueness level and a high concentration of endemic plant and animal species. All of them are responsible for the high development dependence level linked to the tourism activity of these ecosystems. Thus, island ecosystems are currently an important international tourism destination, where a great diversity of very attractive natural and cultural resources and of great heritage value are concentrated. This fact allows for the development of tourism activities of great heterogeneity among countries or regions of the world that host these island ecosystems. The aim of this research was to identify and analyze, through a bibliometric and bibliographic analysis, the scientific production indexed in the international Scopus database, which addresses the subject of use of cultural and natural resources by tourism in island ecosystems. This scientific mapping allows us to observe the evolution of scientific production in this field of study. The results show that this is a new subject (a large number of transient authors), predominantly affiliated with the United States and Spain. The most followed research lines to date are destination management followed very far by responsible environmental behavior and the impacts of sustainable development. However, the keywords with the highest co-occurrence show that the hot topics are tourism exploitation in the ecotourism field and sustainable tourism development. This research is considered the first bibliometric study carried out which is related to this thematic approach, providing a clear in-depth analysis for researchers and thereby facilitating the approach of future research work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism Perspectives for Islands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2016 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Contaminants of Emerging Concern Removal in an Effluent of Wastewater Treatment Plant under Biological and Continuous Mode Ultrafiltration Treatment

by Cristian Ferreiro, Iker Gómez-Motos, José Ignacio Lombraña, Ana de Luis, Natalia Villota, Oihana Ros and Nestor Etxebarria

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020725 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6024

Abstract

This work presents a case study of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), located in Biscay (Spain), in which the removal of high-occurrence contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) was studied. The existing biological treatment in the WWTP was complemented with a continuous ultrafiltration (c-UF) [...] Read more.

This work presents a case study of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), located in Biscay (Spain), in which the removal of high-occurrence contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) was studied. The existing biological treatment in the WWTP was complemented with a continuous ultrafiltration (c-UF) pilot plant, as a tertiary treatment. Thus, the effect on CEC removal of both treatments could be analyzed globally and after each operation. A total of 39 CEC were monitored, including pharmaceutical products, industrial additives, food additives, herbicides and personal care products. For evaluation of the efficiencies, the removal rates of the biological and of the c-UF treatments, including their variability over a day and a week in relation to the ammonium content, were examined in the influent of the WWTP. In the biological treatment, a wide range of different removal rates was obtained due to the different CEC’s biodegradability and concentration. In UF, lower, but more constant removal rates, were achieved. In addition, the reduction of the general toxicity by the UF treatment in terms of the Microtox^® toxicity assay was also evaluated. After UF, all of the samples yielded values of TU₅₀ lower than 1, confirming this result the UF effectiveness for toxicity removal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Removal of Emerging Pollutants from Wastewater Effluent)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 4865 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Traffic Management in an Urban Area: An Integrated Framework for Real-Time Traffic Control and Route Guidance Design

by Stefano de Luca, Roberta Di Pace, Silvio Memoli and Luigi Pariota

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020726 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4990

Abstract

This paper focuses on the presentation of an integrated framework based on two advanced strategies, aimed at mitigating the effect of traffic congestion in terms of performance and environmental impact. In particular, the paper investigates the “operational benefits” that can be derived from [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the presentation of an integrated framework based on two advanced strategies, aimed at mitigating the effect of traffic congestion in terms of performance and environmental impact. In particular, the paper investigates the “operational benefits” that can be derived from the combination of traffic control (TC) and route guidance (RG) strategies. The framework is based on two modules and integrates a within-day traffic control method and a day-to-day behavioral route choice model. The former module consists of an enhanced traffic control model that can be applied to design traffic signal decision variables, suitable for real-time optimization. The latter designs the information consistently with predictive user reactions to the information itself. The proposed framework is implemented to a highly congested sub-network in the city center of Naples (Italy) and different scenarios are tested and compared. The “do nothing” scenario (current; DN) and the “modeled compliance” (MC) scenario, in which travelers’ reaction to the information (i.e., compliance) is explicitly represented. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy and the modeling framework, the following analyses are carried out: (i) Network performance analysis; (ii) system convergence and stability analysis, as well as the compliance evolution over time; (iii) and emissions and fuel consumption impact analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mobility: Social, Technological and Environmental Issues)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 2929 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Stakeholders’ Engagement on Nature-Based Solutions: A Systematic Literature Review

by Vera Ferreira, Ana Paula Barreira, Luís Loures, Dulce Antunes and Thomas Panagopoulos

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020640 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 114 | Viewed by 16106

Abstract

Cities are facing a broad range of social and environmental challenges due to the current pressure of global urbanization. Nature-based solutions aim to utilize green infrastructure to improve people’s health and wellbeing. The design of urban environments must embrace the individual ideals of [...] Read more.

Cities are facing a broad range of social and environmental challenges due to the current pressure of global urbanization. Nature-based solutions aim to utilize green infrastructure to improve people’s health and wellbeing. The design of urban environments must embrace the individual ideals of citizens and stakeholders which can only be achieved if effective methods of communication, involvement, and feedback are ensured. Such a procedure creates trust during its implementation, helping to take ownership and stewardship of processes and sites. This systematic literature review explores the current state of the art regarding citizen and stakeholder participation in nature-based solutions (NBS). The search on the SCOPUS database identified 142 papers in total that met the inclusion criteria. The participation analysis was separated in two areas: (a) analysis of perceptions, preferences, and perspectives of citizens and stakeholders, and (b) analysis of the participation process, including challenges and opportunities, motivations, methods and frameworks, and collaborative governance. The results revealed that stakeholder and citizen participation or collaboration in nature-based solutions is increasingly recognized as promising; however, research in several related domains is still lacking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions for Restoration of Ecosystems and Sustainable Urban Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Life Cycle Assessment of Iberian Traditional Pig Production System in Spain

by Javier García-Gudiño, Alessandra N. T. R. Monteiro, Sandrine Espagnol, Isabel Blanco-Penedo and Florence Garcia-Launay

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020627 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4555

Abstract

Traditional Iberian pig production is characterized by outdoor systems that produce animals fed with natural resources. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental impacts of such systems through Life Cycle Assessment. Environmental impacts were analysed per kilogram of live weight [...] Read more.

Traditional Iberian pig production is characterized by outdoor systems that produce animals fed with natural resources. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental impacts of such systems through Life Cycle Assessment. Environmental impacts were analysed per kilogram of live weight at farm gate. Iberian pig production in montanera had the lowest impacts for climate change (CC), acidification (AC), eutrophication (EU) and cumulative energy demand (CED), being 3.4 kg CO₂ eq, 0.091 molc H⁺ eq, 0.046 kg PO₄³⁻ eq, and 20.7 MJ, respectively, due to the strict use of natural resources (acorns and grass) during the fattening period. As Iberian farms had a greater dependence on compound feed in cebo campo, environmental impacts on CC, AC, EU and CED were 22, 17, 95 and 28% higher, respectively, than with montanera. For land occupation (LO), however, cebo campo had a lower impact (31.6 m²·year) than montanera (43.0 m²·year) system. Traditional Iberian pig production systems have environmental impacts higher than conventional systems studied in literature but are similar to other traditional systems. Based on the present assessment, it is necessary to account for the contribution of emissions resulting from the consumption of natural resources to avoid the underestimation of environmental impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Disability, Mobility and Transport in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Thematic Review

by Maria Kett, Ellie Cole and Jeff Turner

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020589 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 10010

Abstract

This paper discusses issues affecting the transport and mobility needs of people with disabilities in middle- and low-income countries and how disability intersects with a range of other factors to impact on transport needs, use and engagement. The paper is intended to stimulate [...] Read more.

This paper discusses issues affecting the transport and mobility needs of people with disabilities in middle- and low-income countries and how disability intersects with a range of other factors to impact on transport needs, use and engagement. The paper is intended to stimulate discussion and identify areas for further research, and identifies a number of key issues that are salient to discussions around equitable and inclusive transport provision, including patterns of transport use, behaviour and experiences, solutions and policy directions, measuring access and inclusion, policies and intersectionality. The paper also identifies gaps in knowledge and provision, barriers to addressing these gaps, and some possible solutions to overcoming these barriers. These include shifting the focus from access to inclusion, reconceptualising how ‘special’ transport might be provided, and most importantly listening to the voices and experiences of adults and children with disabilities. Despite lack of transport often being cited as a reason for lack of inclusion of people with disabilities, there is surprisingly little evidence which either quantifies this or translates what this lack of access means to people with disabilities in their daily lives in low- and middle-income countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable High Volume Road and Rail Transport in Low Income Countries)

15 pages, 4750 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Strategic Grazing in Beef-Pastures for Improved Soil Health and Reduced Runoff-Nitrate-A Step towards Sustainability

by Subash Dahal, Dorcas Franklin, Anish Subedi, Miguel Cabrera, Dennis Hancock, Kishan Mahmud, Laura Ney, Cheolwoo Park and Deepak Mishra

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020558 - 11 Jan 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4261

Abstract

Generally, improvement in the soil health of pasturelands can result in amplified ecosystem services which can help improve the overall sustainability of the system. The extent to which specific best management practices have this effect has yet to be established. A farm-scale study [...] Read more.

Generally, improvement in the soil health of pasturelands can result in amplified ecosystem services which can help improve the overall sustainability of the system. The extent to which specific best management practices have this effect has yet to be established. A farm-scale study was conducted in eight beef-pastures in the Southern Piedmont of Georgia, from 2015 to 2018, to assess the effect of strategic-grazing (STR) and continuous-grazing hay distribution (CHD) on soil health indicators and runoff nitrate losses. In 2016, four pastures were converted to the STR system and four were grazed using the CHD system. Post-treatment, in 2018, the STR system had significantly greater POXC (by 87.1, 63.4, and 55.6 mg ha⁻¹ at 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm, respectively) as compared to CHD system. Soil respiration was also greater in the STR system (by 235 mg CO₂ m^-2 24 h⁻¹) and less nitrate was lost in the runoff (by 0.21 kg ha⁻¹) as compared to the CHD system. Cattle exclusion and overseeding vulnerable areas of pastures in STR pastures facilitated nitrogen mineralization and uptake. Our results showed that the STR grazing system could improve the sustainability of grazing systems by storing more labile carbon, efficiently mineralizing soil nitrogen, and lowering runoff nitrate losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Suitable Agronomic Techniques for Sustainable Agriculture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3600 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

High-Precision Monitoring of Volume Change of Commercial Lithium-Ion Batteries by Using Strain Gauges

by Lisa K. Willenberg, Philipp Dechent, Georg Fuchs, Dirk Uwe Sauer and Egbert Figgemeier

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020557 - 11 Jan 2020

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 7664

Abstract

This paper proposes a testing method that allows the monitoring of the development of volume expansion of lithium-ion batteries. The overall goal is to demonstrate the impact of the volume expansion on battery ageing. The following findings are achieved: First, the characteristic curve [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a testing method that allows the monitoring of the development of volume expansion of lithium-ion batteries. The overall goal is to demonstrate the impact of the volume expansion on battery ageing. The following findings are achieved: First, the characteristic curve shape of the diameter change depended on the state-of-charge and the load direction of the battery. The characteristic curve shape consisted of three areas. Second, the characteristic curve shape of the diameter change changed over ageing. Whereas the state-of-charge dependent geometric alterations were of a reversible nature. An irreversible effect over the lifetime of the cell was observed. Third, an s-shaped course of the diameter change indicated two different ageing effects that led to the diameter change variation. Both reversible and irreversible expansion increased with ageing. Fourth, a direct correlation between the diameter change and the capacity loss of this particular lithium-ion battery was observed. Fifth, computer tomography (CT) measurements showed deformation of the jelly roll and post-mortem analysis showed the formation of a covering layer and the increase in the thickness of the anode. Sixth, reproducibility and temperature stability of the strain gauges were shown. Overall, this paper provides the basis for a stable and reproducible method for volume expansion analysis applied and established by the investigation of a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery cell. This enables the study of volume expansion and its impact on capacity and cell death. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifetime Prediction and Simulation Models of Different Energy Storage Devices)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Global Sourcing in Fast Fashion Retailers: Sourcing Locations and Sustainability Considerations

by Elisa Arrigo

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020508 - 9 Jan 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 30742

Abstract

For decades, apparel companies have profited from moving their manufacturing to low-cost countries and several academic studies have focused on understanding whether low-cost locations could support optimal supply chain configurations. However, the exploitation of resources in foreign sourcing countries often resulted in many [...] Read more.

For decades, apparel companies have profited from moving their manufacturing to low-cost countries and several academic studies have focused on understanding whether low-cost locations could support optimal supply chain configurations. However, the exploitation of resources in foreign sourcing countries often resulted in many environmental and social issues and apparel companies became progressively more concerned about the negative exposure that they could face with a limited supply chain transparency. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating global sourcing strategies of fast fashion retailers in order to understand whether the decision criteria influencing sourcing locations have changed over time to also embrace sustainability considerations. Drawing on a literature review on sustainability in fashion supply chains, offshore outsourcing, and fast fashion global sourcing, a new theoretical framework concerning fast fashion retailers’ sourcing locations is proposed together with a content analysis of their reports. The findings show that fast fashion retailers identify sustainability as a key element to consider in selecting sourcing locations since sustainability issues at suppliers’ factories may represent relevant hidden costs. Moreover, actions aimed at checking and improving sustainable practices in global sourcing policies are proven to support the development of a strategic sourcing reputation for their fast fashion brands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Fashion and Sustainable Luxury Markets)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Venice and Overtourism: Simulating Sustainable Development Scenarios through a Tourism Carrying Capacity Model

by Dario Bertocchi, Nicola Camatti, Silvio Giove and Jan van der Borg

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020512 - 9 Jan 2020

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 19741

Abstract

Overtourism problems, anti-tourist movements and negative externalities of tourism are popular research approaches and are key concepts to better understand the sustainable development of tourism destinations. In many of the overtourism narratives, Venice is considered to be one of the most relevant cases [...] Read more.

Overtourism problems, anti-tourist movements and negative externalities of tourism are popular research approaches and are key concepts to better understand the sustainable development of tourism destinations. In many of the overtourism narratives, Venice is considered to be one of the most relevant cases of overtourism and therefore has become a laboratory for studying the different conflicts that emerge when tourism numbers continue to grow and the quality of the tourism flow continues to decline. This article is therefore focusing on Venice and on one of the possible solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism represented by the concept of a tourist carrying capacity (TCC) in an urban destination. The aim of this paper is to discuss alternative methodologies regarding the calculation of the TCC, and to apply a fuzzy instead of a ‘crisp’ linear programming model to determine the scenarios of a sustainable number of tourists in the cultural destination of Venice, looking for the optimal compromise between, on the one hand, the wish of maximizing the monetary gain by the local tourism sectors and, on the other, the desire to control the undesirable effects that tourism exerts on a destination by the local population. To solve the problems related to tourism statistics and data availability, some uncertainty in the parameters has been included using fuzzy numbers. The fuzziness in the model was introduced on the basis of questionnaires distributed among both tourists and residents. By applying the fuzzy linear programming model to the emblematic case of Venice, it was shown that this approach can indeed help destinations to understand the challenges of sustainable tourism development better, to evaluate the impact of alternative policies of overtourism on the sustainability of tourism, and hence, to help design a strategy to manage tourist flows more adequately Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism Carrying Capacity)

18 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Farms in Progress-Providing Childcare Services as a Means of Empowering Women Farmers in South Tyrol, Italy

by Verena Gramm, Cristina Dalla Torre and Andrea Membretti

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020467 - 8 Jan 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3519

Abstract

In recent years, social farming has developed into an opportunity for income diversification in the South Tyrolean agricultural sector. In the northern Italian province, predominantly women farmers implement the provision of social services on farms. Starting from rural gender studies and women empowerment-literature, [...] Read more.

In recent years, social farming has developed into an opportunity for income diversification in the South Tyrolean agricultural sector. In the northern Italian province, predominantly women farmers implement the provision of social services on farms. Starting from rural gender studies and women empowerment-literature, we hypothesize that social farming promotes the empowerment of the involved women. Accordingly, our study investigates the recognized impacts of offering farm-based childcare services on three types of power: power to, power with, and power within. In order to test our hypothesis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with seven women farmers that provide childcare services and with four experts. The results show that the provision of childcare services has enhanced the autonomy of women farmers and has had positive impacts on their skills and competences. This activity has changed their social role in the community by revalorizing rural lifestyles and by enabling the reconciliation of work and personal life for working mothers. Nevertheless, women farmers have recognized some negative effects on their workload, and on their interfamilial as well as other social relations. Finally, the study discusses the relationship between the specific ethno-linguistic context in South Tyrol and the effects of the activity of childcare provision on women farmers’ empowerment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Farming for Social Innovation and Viability in Rural Areas)

24 pages, 3039 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of Development Potential of Ports in the Yangtze River Delta Using FAHP-Entropy Model

by Naixia Mou, Chunying Wang, Tengfei Yang and Lingxian Zhang

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020493 - 8 Jan 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4510

Abstract

Port development potential refers to the potential but unrealized status and capacity of ports, which can become a reality when external conditions permit. A correct analysis of port development potential helps to better formulate investment response plans and national development strategies, and finally [...] Read more.

Port development potential refers to the potential but unrealized status and capacity of ports, which can become a reality when external conditions permit. A correct analysis of port development potential helps to better formulate investment response plans and national development strategies, and finally achieve the sustainable development of the ports. Based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, basic port data, hinterland city data, traffic network data, and relevant economic and policy data, we constructed an evaluation index system of port development potential, and evaluated the development potential of eight representative ports in the Yangtze River Delta port group of China with the methods of FAHP-entropy (FAHP—Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process). The results show that: (1) The development potential of the port group in the Yangtze River Delta is positioned in the upper middle level; its development prospects are considerable, and other countries or ports could give priority of cooperation with it to maximize its benefits. (2) Port economy and policy are the primary core indicators affecting the development potential of ports, while per capita GDP (gross domestic product), number of berths, and port network status are the secondary core indicators affecting the development potential of ports. (3) Ports with larger development potential usually have one or more outstanding indicators, while the potential of ports with balanced development among all indicators is relatively weak. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1697 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Platform, Participation, and Power: How Dominant and Minority Stakeholders Shape Agricultural Innovation

by Colleen M. Eidt, Laxmi P. Pant and Gordon M. Hickey

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020461 - 7 Jan 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5283

Abstract

Within agricultural innovation systems (AIS), various stakeholder groups inevitably interpret ‘innovation’ from their own vantage point of privilege and power. In rural developing areas where small-scale and subsistence farming systems support livelihoods, dominant policy actors often focus heavily on participatory modernization and commercialization [...] Read more.

Within agricultural innovation systems (AIS), various stakeholder groups inevitably interpret ‘innovation’ from their own vantage point of privilege and power. In rural developing areas where small-scale and subsistence farming systems support livelihoods, dominant policy actors often focus heavily on participatory modernization and commercialization initiatives to enhance productivity, access, and quality. However, existing social hierarchies may undermine the potential of such initiatives to promote inclusive and sustainable farmer-driven innovation. Focusing on the chronically food insecure smallholder agricultural systems operating in Yatta Sub-county, Eastern Kenya, this paper explores how power dynamics between stakeholders can influence, and can be influenced by, participatory agricultural innovation initiatives. Findings suggest that there are often significant disparities in access to, and control over, platform resources between smallholder farmers and other stakeholder groups, resulting in large asymmetries. We discuss how these power dynamics may increase the risk of agricultural intervention, further marginalizing already disempowered groups and reinforcing power hierarchies to the detriment of smallholders. This study highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the institutional contexts that facilitate and maintain relationships of power within agricultural innovation systems, as well as the complexities associated with promoting transformational agricultural innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Natural Resource Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

From Laboratory to Proximal Sensing Spectroscopy for Soil Organic Carbon Estimation—A Review

by Theodora Angelopoulou, Athanasios Balafoutis, George Zalidis and Dionysis Bochtis

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020443 - 7 Jan 2020

Cited by 79 | Viewed by 6789

Abstract

Rapid and cost-effective soil properties estimations are considered imperative for the monitoring and recording of agricultural soil condition for the implementation of site-specific management practices. Conventional laboratory measurements are costly and time-consuming, and, therefore, cannot be considered appropriate for large datasets. This article [...] Read more.

Rapid and cost-effective soil properties estimations are considered imperative for the monitoring and recording of agricultural soil condition for the implementation of site-specific management practices. Conventional laboratory measurements are costly and time-consuming, and, therefore, cannot be considered appropriate for large datasets. This article reviews laboratory and proximal sensing spectroscopy in the visible and near infrared (VNIR)–short wave infrared (SWIR) wavelength region for soil organic carbon and soil organic matter estimation as an alternative to analytical chemistry measurements. The aim of this work is to report the progress made in the last decade on data preprocessing, calibration approaches, and system configurations used for VNIR-SWIR spectroscopy of soil organic carbon and soil organic matter estimation. We present and compare the results of over fifty selective studies and discuss the factors that affect the accuracy of spectroscopic measurements for both laboratory and in situ applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green, Closed Loop, Circular Bio-Economy)

18 pages, 1107 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Agricultural Technology Transfer Preferences of Smallholder Farmers in Tunisia’s Arid Regions

by Boubaker Dhehibi, Udo Rudiger, Hloniphani Peter Moyo and Mohamed Zied Dhraief

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010421 - 6 Jan 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7319

Abstract

The objective of this research study was to assess the sources of information on two improved agricultural and livestock technologies (barley variety and feed blocks) as well as the efficacy of numerous agricultural technology diffusion means introduced in the livestock–barley system in semi-arid [...] Read more.

The objective of this research study was to assess the sources of information on two improved agricultural and livestock technologies (barley variety and feed blocks) as well as the efficacy of numerous agricultural technology diffusion means introduced in the livestock–barley system in semi-arid Tunisia. The research used primary data collected from 671 smallholder farmers. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted, and Kendall’s W-test and the chi-squared distribution test were deployed to categorize and evaluate the efficacy of the different methods of technology diffusion used by the Tunisian extension system. To address farmers’ perceived opinions and classify the changes from the use of the improved technologies, a qualitative approach based on the Stapel scale was used. Farmer training, demonstration, and farmer-to-farmer interactions were perceived as the most effective agricultural extension methods. The access to technology, know-how, adoption cost of that technology, and labor intensity for adoption influenced its adoption level. Farmers’ opinions about the changes resulting from the adoption of both technologies revealed that yield and resistance to drought were the most important impacts of the two technologies. The study recommends empowering the national extension system through both conventional and non-conventional technologies (ICT, video, mobile phones, etc.), given the cost-effectiveness and their impact on the farmers’ adoption decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Suitable Agronomic Techniques for Sustainable Agriculture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

39 pages, 2842 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Tool to Analyze, Ideate and Develop Circular Innovation Ecosystems

by Jan Konietzko, Nancy Bocken and Erik Jan Hultink

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010417 - 5 Jan 2020

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 23121

Abstract

The circular economy may help firms to maximize the value of their material resources and minimize the overall resource use, waste, pollution and emissions of their business activities. Implementing a circular economy program requires radical changes in product, business model and ecosystem innovation. [...] Read more.

The circular economy may help firms to maximize the value of their material resources and minimize the overall resource use, waste, pollution and emissions of their business activities. Implementing a circular economy program requires radical changes in product, business model and ecosystem innovation. Most research on circular oriented innovation takes a product or business model perspective. Few publications have explored how to innovate in ecosystems: how a group of loosely coupled organizations can change how they interact with each other to achieve a collective outcome. This study proposes the Circularity Deck: a card deck-based tool that can help firms to analyze, ideate and develop the circularity potential of their innovation ecosystems. The tool is based on a literature review of circular oriented innovation principles, and of practical examples that show how these principles have been applied. The principles are organized according to the intended circular strategy outcome that they pursue (i.e., narrow, slow, close, regenerate and inform material and energy flows), and the extent of the innovation perspective that is needed to operationalize a principle (i.e., product, business model, or ecosystem innovation). This review and categorization process first produced a novel analysis of the circular economy innovation landscape, using an ecosystem perspective. Second, these results served to develop the Circularity Deck, which was further developed and tested for ease of use and perceived usefulness in 12 workshops with 136 participants from 62 different organizations. The Circularity Deck provides an approach for future research and practice to integrate new principles and examples that can help firms to analyze, ideate and develop circular innovation ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modeling Co-Movement among Different Agricultural Commodity Markets: A Copula-GARCH Approach

by Xinyu Yuan, Jiechen Tang, Wing-Keung Wong and Songsak Sriboonchitta

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010393 - 3 Jan 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3589

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the volatility contagion among different agricultural commodity markets. For this purpose, this research make use of the copula-GARCH (Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) model for the daily spot prices of six major agriculture grain commodities including [...] Read more.

The aim of this research is to explore the volatility contagion among different agricultural commodity markets. For this purpose, this research make use of the copula-GARCH (Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) model for the daily spot prices of six major agriculture grain commodities including corn, wheat, soybeans, soya oil, cotton, and oat over the period from 2000 to 2019. Our results provide evidence that significant contagion effects and risk transmissions exist among different agricultural grain commodity markets, suggesting that potential speculation effects on one agricultural market could be contagious for another agricultural market and result an increase in volatility in agricultural product markets. Second, agricultural commodities appears to co-move symmetrically. We also find substantial extreme co-movements among agricultural commodity markets. This indicates that agricultural commodity markets tend to crash (boom) together during extreme events. Moreover, after the food crisis, contagion effects and risk transmissions among different agricultural commodity markets increased substantially. Fourth, we find that the strongest contagion effects and risk transmissions are between corn and soybeans, and the weakest contagion effects and risk transmissions are between soya oil cotton and between cotton and oat. Last, we document that the co-movement varies over time. Our findings hold important implications for modeling the co-movement by the copula-GARCH approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6291 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Role of the Extensive Green Roofs on Decreasing Building Energy Consumption in the Mediterranean Climate

by Mario Maiolo, Behrouz Pirouz, Roberto Bruno, Stefania Anna Palermo, Natale Arcuri and Patrizia Piro

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010359 - 2 Jan 2020

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 8105

Abstract

Buildings portion in global energy consumption is 40%, and in the building envelope, the roof is a crucial point for improving indoor temperature, especially in the last and second last floors. Studies show that green roofs can be applied to moderate roof temperature [...] Read more.

Buildings portion in global energy consumption is 40%, and in the building envelope, the roof is a crucial point for improving indoor temperature, especially in the last and second last floors. Studies show that green roofs can be applied to moderate roof temperature and affect the indoor temperature in summer and winter. However, the performance of green roofs depends on several parameters such as climate, irrigation, layer materials, and thickness. In this context, the present research deals with a comprehensive experimental analysis of different thermal impacts of green roofs in summer and winter in a Mediterranean climate. Measurements carried out in one year in three different types of green roofs with different thicknesses, layers, and with and without the insulation layer. The analysis determined the possible period that indoor cooling or heating might be required with and without green roofs and demonstrated the positive impact of green roofs in moderating the roof temperature and temperature fluctuations, which in summer was remarkable. In conclusion, since in the Mediterranean climate, the thermal differences between green roofs and conventional roofs in summer are much higher than winter, it seems that the green roof without an insulation layer would show better performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Evidences of Indoor Thermal Comfort in Residential and Tertiary Buildings: Design and Evaluation Methods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 222 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Norwegian Firms’ Green and New Industry Strategies: A Dual Challenge

by Jarle Aarstad and Stig-Erik Jakobsen

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010361 - 2 Jan 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3052

Abstract

Today, there is strong pressure for firms, in Norway and abroad, to adopt green or sustainable strategies. Furthermore, many Norwegian firms, directly or indirectly dependent on the dominating but declining petroleum sector, face a further challenge as they have to enter new industries [...] Read more.

Today, there is strong pressure for firms, in Norway and abroad, to adopt green or sustainable strategies. Furthermore, many Norwegian firms, directly or indirectly dependent on the dominating but declining petroleum sector, face a further challenge as they have to enter new industries in search of market opportunities. We address these dual challenges and study how green and new industry strategies are a function of firm- and regional-level characteristics. Multilevel analyses of Norwegian survey data show that both green and new industry strategies are pursued by knowledge-intensive firms that are innovative and having interfirm innovation collaboration. Green strategies are pursued by large firms and firms localized in sparsely populated regions, but they are avoided by independent firms and firms having carried out layoffs. New industry strategies are pursued by small firms, firms with growth in employees, and firms having carried out mergers or acquisitions and cost reductions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Management for Sustainability: Imperatives and Paradoxes)

14 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nutrient Recapture from Insect Farm Waste: Bioconversion with Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

by Costanza Jucker, Daniela Lupi, Christopher Douglas Moore, Maria Giovanna Leonardi and Sara Savoldelli

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010362 - 2 Jan 2020

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 7097

Abstract

Hermetia illucens is an efficient bioconverter able to grow on various different organic materials, producing larvae, which are a good source of protein and fat with applications in the animal feed and biochemical industries. This fly’s capacity to reduce huge amounts of waste [...] Read more.

Hermetia illucens is an efficient bioconverter able to grow on various different organic materials, producing larvae, which are a good source of protein and fat with applications in the animal feed and biochemical industries. This fly’s capacity to reduce huge amounts of waste presents an interesting opportunity to establish a circular food economy. In this study, we assessed the suitability of using organic wastes from cricket and locust farming to rear H. illucens. Larvae developed until adult emergence on all the wastes, with a mean survival of over 94%. Cricket waste allowed faster development of heavier larvae than locust waste. Substrate reduction was particularly interesting on cricket waste (<72%), while locust waste was only reduced by 33%. The nutritional composition of the larvae reflected that of the growing substrates with a high protein and fat content. These results demonstrate the potential of using H. illucens to reduce and valorise waste generated when farming various insects through the production of a larval biomass for use as a protein meal in animal feeds or industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Insect Production for Food, Feed and Technical Application)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 6293 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Simulation of the Effect of Climate Variability on Reclamation Success of Brine-Affected Soil in Semi-Arid Environments

by Mandana Shaygan and Thomas Baumgartl

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010371 - 2 Jan 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2850

Abstract

Soils in arid and semi-arid environments are threatened by salinization. A cost-effective and efficient way to reclaim saline land is through leaching. This will be most effective in situations where direct human impact is the cause for salinity, e.g., in environments affected by [...] Read more.

Soils in arid and semi-arid environments are threatened by salinization. A cost-effective and efficient way to reclaim saline land is through leaching. This will be most effective in situations where direct human impact is the cause for salinity, e.g., in environments affected by industrial use or land rehabilitation following mining. Irrigation, which is the most common means of achieving salt leaching, is not feasible for the reclamation of mine sites’ salt-affected soils located in remote areas, and thus, land reclamation largely relies on natural climatic conditions. This study was conducted to assess the effect of different climatic conditions of semi-arid environments on spatio-temporal salt leaching from brine-affected soil, and investigate the efficacy of the reduction of soil bulk density as a reclamation technique for saline land experiencing water scarcity. Three regions (represented by the Australian cities of Roma, Mount Isa, and Quilpie) representing semi-arid environments of Australia were selected, and their climatic scenarios (23 years) were applied to a validated HYDRUS-1D model. A brine-affected soil typical to Queensland, Australia, was chosen for this study. The investigations established that a greater number of individual high rainfall events resulted in a greater reduction of salinity in Roma (96%) and Mount Isa (93.31%) compared with Quilpie (58.75%), in which the soil salinity approached a level (<2 dS m⁻¹) that was suitable for sustaining plant growth. Soil salinity reduced to 8 dS m⁻¹ under the climatic conditions of the Quilpie region. This study also demonstrated that the success of salt leaching from a brine-affected soil is a consequence of a sensitive response to the depth of individual rainfall events rather than rainfall distribution and the total amount of rainfall, and is controlled by the physical properties of the soil. Where climatic conditions cannot solely assist with salt leaching, reclamation may be successful by reducing soil bulk density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Responsible Agricultural Mechanization Innovation for the Sustainable Development of Nepal’s Hillside Farming System

by Rachana Devkota, Laxmi Prasad Pant, Hom Nath Gartaula, Kirit Patel, Devendra Gauchan, Helen Hambly-Odame, Balaram Thapa and Manish N. Raizada

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010374 - 2 Jan 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 11487

Abstract

Agricultural mechanization in developing countries has taken at least two contested innovation pathways—the “incumbent trajectory” that promotes industrial agriculture, and an “alternative pathway” that supports small-scale mechanization for sustainable development of hillside farming systems. Although both pathways can potentially reduce human and animal [...] Read more.

Agricultural mechanization in developing countries has taken at least two contested innovation pathways—the “incumbent trajectory” that promotes industrial agriculture, and an “alternative pathway” that supports small-scale mechanization for sustainable development of hillside farming systems. Although both pathways can potentially reduce human and animal drudgery, the body of literature that assesses the sustainability impacts of these mechanization pathways in the local ecological, socio-economic, cultural, and historical contexts of hillside farms is either nonexistent or under-theorized. This paper addresses this missing literature by examining the case of Nepal’s first Agricultural Mechanization Promotion Policy 2014 (AMPP) using a conceptual framework of what will be defined as “responsible innovation”. The historical context of this assessment involves the incumbent trajectory of mechanization in the country since the late 1960s that neglected smallholder farms located in the hills and mountains and biased mechanization policy for flat areas only. Findings from this study suggest that the AMPP addressed issues for smallholder production, including gender inequality, exclusion of smallholder farmers, and biophysical challenges associated with hillside farming systems, but it remains unclear whether and how the policy promotes small-scale agricultural mechanization for sustainable development of agriculture in the hills and mountains of Nepal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Natural Resource Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6848 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Inter-Basin Water Transfer on Water Flow Condition of Destination Basin

by Dieu Tien Bui, Dawood Talebpour Asl, Ezatolla Ghanavati, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Saeed Khezri, Kamran Chapi, Ata Amini and Binh Thai Pham

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010338 - 1 Jan 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4494

Abstract

In recent years, the intensification of drought and unsustainable management and use of water resources have caused a significant decline in the water level of the Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran. This condition has affected the lake, approaching an irreversible point [...] Read more.

In recent years, the intensification of drought and unsustainable management and use of water resources have caused a significant decline in the water level of the Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran. This condition has affected the lake, approaching an irreversible point such that many projects have been implemented and are being implemented to save the natural condition of the Urmia Lake, among which the inter-basin water transfer (IBWT) project from the Zab River to the lake could be considered an important project. The main aim of this research is the evaluation of the IBWT project effects on the Gadar destination basin. Simulations of the geometrical properties of the river, including the bed and flow, have been performed, and the land cover and flood map were overlapped in order to specify the areas prone to flood after implementing the IBWT project. The results showed that with the implementation of this project, the discharge of the Gadar River was approximately tripled and the water level of the river rose 1 m above the average. In April, May, and June, about 952.92, 1458.36, and 731.43 ha of land adjacent to the river (floodplain) will be inundated by flood, respectively. Results also indicated that UNESCO’s criteria No. 3 (“a comprehensive environmental impact assessment must indicate that the project will not substantially degrade the environmental quality within the area of origin or the area of delivery”) and No. 5 (“the net benefits from the transfer must be shared equitably between the area of origin and the area of water delivery”) have been violated by implementing this project in the study area. The findings could help the local government and other decision-makers to better understand the effects of the IBWT projects on the physical and hydrodynamic processes of the Gadar River as a destination basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1837 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Environmental Assessment of Electrochemical Energy Storage Device Manufacturing to Identify Drivers for Attaining Goals of Sustainable Materials 4.0

by Maryori C. Díaz-Ramírez, Víctor J. Ferreira, Tatiana García-Armingol, Ana María López-Sabirón and Germán Ferreira

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010342 - 1 Jan 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6632

Abstract

Electricity from the combination of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines exhibits potential benefits towards the sustainable cities transition. Nevertheless, the highly fluctuating and intermittent character limits an extended applicability in the energy market. Particularly, batteries represent a challenging approach to overcome the existing [...] Read more.

Electricity from the combination of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines exhibits potential benefits towards the sustainable cities transition. Nevertheless, the highly fluctuating and intermittent character limits an extended applicability in the energy market. Particularly, batteries represent a challenging approach to overcome the existing constraints and to achieve sustainable urban energy development. On the basis of the market roll-out and level of technological maturity, five commercially available battery technologies are assessed in this work, namely, lead–acid, lithium manganese oxide, nickel–cadmium, nickel–metal hydride, and vanadium redox flow. When considering sustainable development, environmental assessments provide valuable information. In this vein, an environmental analysis of the technologies is conducted using a life cycle assessment methodology from a cradle-to-gate perspective. A comparison of the environmental burden of battery components identified vanadium redox flow battery as the lowest environmental damage battery. In terms of components, electrodes; the electrolyte; and the set of pumps, motors, racks, and bolts exhibited the greatest environmental impact related to manufacturing. In terms of materials, copper, steel, sulphuric acid, and vanadium were identified as the main contributors to the midpoint impact categories. The results have highlighted that challenging materials 4.0 are still needed in battery manufacturing to provide sustainable technology designs required to the future urban planning based on circular economy demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Circular Economy and Sustainable Strategies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1365 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Wild Bee Conservation within Urban Gardens and Nurseries: Effects of Local and Landscape Management

by Monika Egerer, Jacob M. Cecala and Hamutahl Cohen

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010293 - 30 Dec 2019

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6165

Abstract

Across urban environments, vegetated habitats provide refuge for biodiversity. Gardens (designed for food crop production) and nurseries (designed for ornamental plant production) are both urban agricultural habitats characterized by high plant species richness but may vary in their ability to support wild pollinators, [...] Read more.

Across urban environments, vegetated habitats provide refuge for biodiversity. Gardens (designed for food crop production) and nurseries (designed for ornamental plant production) are both urban agricultural habitats characterized by high plant species richness but may vary in their ability to support wild pollinators, particularly bees. In gardens, pollinators are valued for crop production. In nurseries, ornamental plants rarely require pollination; thus, the potential of nurseries to support pollinators has not been examined. We asked how these habitats vary in their ability to support wild bees, and what habitat features relate to this variability. In 19 gardens and 11 nurseries in California, USA, we compared how local habitat and landscape features affected wild bee species abundance and richness. To assess local features, we estimated floral richness and measured ground cover as proxies for food and nesting resources, respectively. To assess landscape features, we measured impervious land cover surrounding each site. Our analyses showed that differences in floral richness, local habitat size, and the amount of urban land cover impacted garden wild bee species richness. In nurseries, floral richness and the proportion of native plant species impacted wild bee abundance and richness. We suggest management guidelines for supporting wild pollinators in both habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Urban Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Energy Issues in Sustainable Urban Wastewater Management: Use, Demand Reduction and Recovery in the Urban Water Cycle

by Andrea G. Capodaglio and Gustaf Olsson

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010266 - 29 Dec 2019

Cited by 201 | Viewed by 11025

Abstract

Urban water systems and, in particular, wastewater treatment facilities are among the major energy consumers at municipal level worldwide. Estimates indicate that on average these facilities alone may require about 1% to 3% of the total electric energy output of a country, representing [...] Read more.

Urban water systems and, in particular, wastewater treatment facilities are among the major energy consumers at municipal level worldwide. Estimates indicate that on average these facilities alone may require about 1% to 3% of the total electric energy output of a country, representing a significant fraction of municipal energy bills. Specific power consumption of state-of-the-art facilities should range between 20 and 45 kWh per population-equivalent served, per year, even though older plants may have even higher demands. This figure does not include wastewater conveyance (pumping) and residues post-processing. On the other hand, wastewater and its byproducts contain energy in different forms: chemical, thermal and potential. Until very recently, the only form of energy recovery from most facilities consisted of anaerobic post-digestion of process residuals (waste sludge), by which chemical energy methane is obtained as biogas, in amounts generally sufficient to cover about half of plant requirements. Implementation of new technologies may allow more efficient strategies of energy savings and recovery from sewage treatment. Besides wastewater valorization by exploitation of its chemical and thermal energy contents, closure of the wastewater cycle by recovery of the energy content of process residuals could allow significant additional energy recovery and increased greenhouse emissions abatement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water-Energy Sustainable Urban Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6861 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Influence of Partial Coarse Fraction Substitution of Natural Aggregate by Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Hot Asphalt Mixtures

by Debora Acosta Álvarez, Anadelys Alonso Aenlle, Antonio José Tenza-Abril and Salvador Ivorra

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010250 - 27 Dec 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3015

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to evaluate the properties of hot asphalt mixtures that have been manufactured with different recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of the fraction 5–13 mm) and asphalt (4%, 4.5% and 5%). [...] Read more.

The main objective of this work is to evaluate the properties of hot asphalt mixtures that have been manufactured with different recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of the fraction 5–13 mm) and asphalt (4%, 4.5% and 5%). Dense asphalt mixtures were made; partially replacing the natural aggregate (NA) fraction between 5 and 13 mm. Marshall specimens were manufactured to determine the main properties of the asphalt concrete (AC) in terms of density, voids, stability and deformation. Additionally, the optimal asphalt content (OAC) was determined, and measured the water sensibility, the stiffness modulus and the permanent deformation. The results corroborate the potential for using these sources of construction and demolition waste (CDW) as a RCA in asphalt concrete and show that the hot asphalt mixtures with up to 40% substitution of natural aggregate by recycled aggregate in the fraction 5–13 mm present good behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials for Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2279 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceDiscussion

Sustainability of Coastal Agriculture under Climate Change

by Tharani Gopalakrishnan, Md Kamrul Hasan, A. T. M. Sanaul Haque, Sadeeka Layomi Jayasinghe and Lalit Kumar

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7200; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247200 - 16 Dec 2019

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 12688

Abstract

Climatic and non-climatic stressors, such as temperature increases, rainfall fluctuations, population growth and migration, pollution, land-use changes and inadequate gender-specific strategies, are major challenges to coastal agricultural sustainability. In this paper, we discuss all pertinent issues related to the sustainability of coastal agriculture [...] Read more.

Climatic and non-climatic stressors, such as temperature increases, rainfall fluctuations, population growth and migration, pollution, land-use changes and inadequate gender-specific strategies, are major challenges to coastal agricultural sustainability. In this paper, we discuss all pertinent issues related to the sustainability of coastal agriculture under climate change. It is evident that some climate-change-related impacts (e.g., temperature and rainfall) on agriculture are similarly applicable to both coastal and non-coastal settings, but there are other factors (e.g., inundation, seawater intrusion, soil salinity and tropical cyclones) that particularly impact coastal agricultural sustainability. Coastal agriculture is characterised by low-lying and saline-prone soils where spatial competition with urban growth is an ever-increasing problem. We highlight how coastal agricultural viability could be sustained through blending farmer perceptions, adaptation options, gender-specific participation and integrated coastal resource management into policy ratification. This paper provides important aspects of the coastal agricultural sustainability, and it can be an inspiration for further research and coastal agrarian planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Coastal Agriculture under Climate Change)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6546 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Climate and Land-Cover Changes on Soil Erosion in Brazilian Pantanal

by Carina B. Colman, Paulo Tarso S. Oliveira, André Almagro, Britaldo S. Soares-Filho and Dulce B. B. Rodrigues

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7053; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247053 - 10 Dec 2019

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5188

Abstract

The Pantanal biome integrates the lowlands of the Upper Paraguay Basin (UPB), which is hydrologically connected to the biomes of the Cerrado and Amazon (the highlands of the UPB). The effects of recent land-cover and land-use (LCLU) changes in the highlands, combined with [...] Read more.

The Pantanal biome integrates the lowlands of the Upper Paraguay Basin (UPB), which is hydrologically connected to the biomes of the Cerrado and Amazon (the highlands of the UPB). The effects of recent land-cover and land-use (LCLU) changes in the highlands, combined with climate change, are still poorly understood in this region. Here, we investigate the effects of soil erosion in the Brazilian Pantanal under climate and LCLU changes by combining different scenarios of projected rainfall erosivity and land-cover management. We compute the average annual soil erosion for the baseline (2012) and projected scenarios for 2020, 2035, and 2050. For the worst scenario, we noted an increase in soil loss of up to 100% from 2012 to 2050, associated with cropland expansion in some parts of the highlands. Furthermore, for the same period, our results indicated an increase of 20 to 40% in soil loss in parts of the Pantanal biome, which was associated with farmland increase (mainly for livestock) in the lowlands. Therefore, to ensure water, food, energy, and ecosystem service security over the next decades in the whole UPB, robust and comprehensive planning measures need to be developed, especially for the most impacted areas found in our study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 11739 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Identification and Location of a Transitional Zone between an Urban and a Rural Area Using Fuzzy Set Theory, CLC, and HRL Data

by Andrzej Biłozor, Szymon Czyża and Tomasz Bajerowski

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7014; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247014 - 9 Dec 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4355

Abstract

Changes in land use, which accompany the development of towns, generate a transitional zone on the border between areas of urban and rural use, which—due to its complex (unspecified, fuzzy) land use—cannot be identified either as a rural or an urban area. In [...] Read more.

Changes in land use, which accompany the development of towns, generate a transitional zone on the border between areas of urban and rural use, which—due to its complex (unspecified, fuzzy) land use—cannot be identified either as a rural or an urban area. In order to prevent the unplanned development, it should go according to plan, in line with the spatial order principles, making a coherent whole, taking into account all functional, socio-economic, cultural, as well as aesthetic factors and requirements. This paper describes studies and analyses of the fuzzy set theory applicability in studies of land use in areas around towns. The main aim of the study was to present the methodology, which employs fuzzy logic to identify and locate a transitional zone between rural and urban areas. This study dealt with the transitional zone at the junction of the urban and rural area and its parameters, which affect the type of land use. The attributes of the transitional zone were defined based on an analysis of current land use methods in areas under direct urbanisation pressure. The study was conducted in the city of Olsztyn (Poland) and on its outskirts, directly exposed to the impact of the developing city, with an area of 202.4 km², within an 8-km radius of the city centre. The study determined the impact of individual forms of land use on the development of urban or rural use. The degree of each type of use—urban or rural—allowed for developing a fuzzy town and country model, identifying the urban investment border and its spatial dispersion, as well as identifying and locating the transitional zone between urban and rural areas. Moreover, land cover models based on the Corine land cover (CLC) data as well as high-resolution layers (HRL) impervious and canopy data were developed. The borders of urban investment determined on the basis of the fuzzy set theory assumptions, CLC, and HRL data were also identified and verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Urban Planning and Land Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7141 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Role of Constructed Wetlands as Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Urban Water Management

by Alexandros I. Stefanakis

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 6981; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11246981 - 6 Dec 2019

Cited by 165 | Viewed by 20655

Abstract

Nowadays, it is better understood that the benefits of green infrastructure include a series of ecosystem services, such as cooling, water storage and management, recreation and landscaping, among others. Green technologies are still developing to provide sustainable solutions to the problems that modern [...] Read more.

Nowadays, it is better understood that the benefits of green infrastructure include a series of ecosystem services, such as cooling, water storage and management, recreation and landscaping, among others. Green technologies are still developing to provide sustainable solutions to the problems that modern cities and peri-urban areas face at an ever-increasing rate and intensity. Constructed wetlands technology is an established green multi-purpose option for water management and wastewater treatment, with numerous effectively proven applications around the world and multiple environmental and economic advantages. These systems can function as water treatment plants, habitat creation sites, urban wildlife refuges, recreational or educational facilities, landscape engineering and ecological art areas. The aim of this article is to highlight the synergies between this green technology and urban areas in order to reconnect cities with nature, to promote circularity in the urban context and to apply innovative wetland designs as landscape infrastructure and water treatment solutions. This approach could be a step further in the effort to mitigate the current degradation process of the urban landscape. Following the concept of green infrastructure, the article presents and suggests ways to integrate wetland technology in the urban environment, namely: (i) stormwater and urban runoff management (storage and treatment of water during storm events) to provide protection from flood incidents, especially considering climate change, (ii) innovative low-impact infrastructure and design solutions for urban wastewater treatment, and (iii) wetland technology for habitat creation and ecosystem services provision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water-Energy Sustainable Urban Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2604 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Life Cycle Analysis of Strengthening Existing RC Structures with R-PE-UHPFRC

by Amir Hajiesmaeili, Francesco Pittau, Emmanuel Denarié and Guillaume Habert

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 6923; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11246923 - 5 Dec 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3788

Abstract

(PE)-UHPFRC, a novel strain hardening ultra high-performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) with low clinker content, using Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) fibers, was developed for structural applications of rehabilitation. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out to study the environmental impact [...] Read more.

(PE)-UHPFRC, a novel strain hardening ultra high-performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) with low clinker content, using Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) fibers, was developed for structural applications of rehabilitation. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out to study the environmental impact of interventions on an existing bridge using PE-UHPFRC compared with conventional UHPFRC and post-tensioned reinforced concrete methods in three categories of global warming potential (GWP), cumulative energy demand (CED), and ecological scarcity (UBP). The results showed 55% and 29% decreases in the environmental impact of the PE-UHPFRC compared with reinforced concrete and conventional UHPFRC methods, respectively, which highlighted the effectiveness of this material for the rehabilitation/strengthening of structures from the viewpoint of environmental impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Building Materials Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 987 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Evaluation of Historical Trends in New Mexico Beef Cattle Production in Relation to Climate and Energy

by Ashraf J. Zaied, Hatim M.E. Geli, Jerry L. Holechek, Andres F. Cibils, Mohammed N. Sawalhah and Charlotte C. Gard

Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6840; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236840 - 2 Dec 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3167

Abstract

In support of Food-Energy-Water Systems (FEWS) analysis to enhance its sustainability for New Mexico (NM), this study evaluated observed trends in beef cattle population in response to environmental and economic changes. The specific goal was to provide an improved understanding of the behavior [...] Read more.

In support of Food-Energy-Water Systems (FEWS) analysis to enhance its sustainability for New Mexico (NM), this study evaluated observed trends in beef cattle population in response to environmental and economic changes. The specific goal was to provide an improved understanding of the behavior of NM’s beef cattle production systems relative to precipitation, temperature, rangeland conditions, production of hay and crude oil, and prices of hay and crude oil. Historical data of all variables were available for the 1973–2017 period. The analysis was conducted using generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity models. The results indicated declining trends in beef cattle population and prices. The most important predictors of beef cattle population variation were hay production, mean annual hay prices, and mean annual temperature, whereas mean annual temperature, cattle feed sold, and crude oil production were the most important predictors for calf population that weigh under 500 lb. Prices of beef cattle showed a strong positive relationship with crude oil production, mean annual hay prices, rangeland conditions, and mean annual precipitation. However, mean annual temperature had a negative relationship with mean annual beef prices. Variation in mean annual calf prices was explained by hay production, mean annual temperature, and crude oil production. This analysis suggested that NM’s beef cattle production systems were affected mainly and directly by mean annual temperature and crude oil production, and to a lesser extent by other factors studied in this research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2896 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Influence of Surface Water Bodies on the Land Surface Temperature of Bangladesh

by Najeebullah Khan, Shamsuddin Shahid, Eun-Sung Chung, Sungkon Kim and Rawshan Ali

Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6754; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236754 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3182

Abstract

Recent climate change has resulted in the reduction of several surface water bodies (SWBs) all around the globe. These SWBs, such as streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks have a positive impact on the cooling of the surrounding climate and, therefore, reduction [...] Read more.

Recent climate change has resulted in the reduction of several surface water bodies (SWBs) all around the globe. These SWBs, such as streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks have a positive impact on the cooling of the surrounding climate and, therefore, reduction in SWBs can contribute to the rise of land surface temperature (LST). This study presents the impact of SWBs on the LST across Bangladesh to quantify their roles in the rapid temperature rise of Bangladesh. The moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST and water mask data of Bangladesh for the period 2000–2015 are used for this purpose. Influences of topography and geography on LST were first removed, and then regression analysis was conducted to quantify the impact of SWBs on the LST. The non-parametric Mann–Kendall (MK) test was used to assess the changes in LST and SWBs. The results revealed that SWBs were reduced from 11,379 km² in 2000 to 9657 km² in 2015. The trend analysis showed that changes in SWBs have reduced significantly at a 90% level of confidence, which contributed to the acceleration of LST rise in the country due to global warming. The spatial analysis during the specific years showed that an increase in LST can be seen with the reduction of SWBs. Furthermore, the reduction of 100 m² of SWBs can reduce the LST of the surrounding regions from −1.2 to −2.2 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Uncertainty of Climate Change Impacts on Hydrology, Water Quality and Ecology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 2767 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Emerging Urban Forests: Opportunities for Promoting the Wild Side of the Urban Green Infrastructure

by Ingo Kowarik, Anne Hiller, Greg Planchuelo, Birgit Seitz, Moritz von der Lippe and Sascha Buchholz

Sustainability 2019, 11(22), 6318; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11226318 - 11 Nov 2019

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 9637

Abstract

Many cities aim to increase urban forest cover to benefit residents through the provision of ecosystem services and to promote biodiversity. As a complement to traditional forest plantings, we address opportunities associated with “emerging urban forests” (i.e., spontaneously developing forests in cities) for [...] Read more.

Many cities aim to increase urban forest cover to benefit residents through the provision of ecosystem services and to promote biodiversity. As a complement to traditional forest plantings, we address opportunities associated with “emerging urban forests” (i.e., spontaneously developing forests in cities) for urban biodiversity conservation. We quantified the area of successional forests and analyzed the species richness of native and alien plants and of invertebrates (carabid beetles, spiders) in emerging forests dominated by alien or native trees, including Robinia pseudoacacia, Acer platanoides, and Betula pendula. Emerging urban forests were revealed as shared habitats of native and alien species. Native species richness was not profoundly affected by the alien (co-)dominance of the canopy. Instead, native and alien plant species richnesses were positively related. Numbers of endangered plants and invertebrates did not differ between native- and alien-dominated forest patches. Patterns of tree regeneration indicate different successional trajectories for novel forest types. We conclude that these forests (i) provide habitats for native and alien species, including some endangered species, (ii) allow city dwellers to experience wild urban nature, and (iii) support arguments for adapting forests to dynamic urban environments. Integrating emerging urban forests into the urban green infrastructure is a promising pathway to sustainable cities and can complement traditional restoration or greening approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Urban Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 2625 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of Chemicals to Produce Activated Carbon from Agricultural Waste Biomass

by Kalu Samuel Ukanwa, Kumar Patchigolla, Ruben Sakrabani, Edward Anthony and Sachin Mandavgane

Sustainability 2019, 11(22), 6204; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11226204 - 6 Nov 2019

Cited by 184 | Viewed by 10831

Abstract

The choice of activating agent for the thermochemical production of high-grade activated carbon (AC) from agricultural residues and wastes, such as feedstock, requires innovative methods. Overcoming energy losses, and using the best techniques to minimise secondary contamination and improve adsorptivity, are critical. Here, [...] Read more.

The choice of activating agent for the thermochemical production of high-grade activated carbon (AC) from agricultural residues and wastes, such as feedstock, requires innovative methods. Overcoming energy losses, and using the best techniques to minimise secondary contamination and improve adsorptivity, are critical. Here, we review the importance and influence of activating agents on agricultural waste: how they react and compare conventional and microwave processes. In particular, adsorbent pore characteristics, surface chemistry interactions and production modes were compared with traditional methods. It was concluded that there are no best activating agents; rather, each agent reacts uniquely with a precursor, and the optimum choice depends on the target adsorbent. Natural chemicals can also be as effective as inorganic activating agents, and offer the advantages that they are usually safe, and readily available. The use of a microwave, as an innovative pyrolysis approach, can enhance the activation process within a duration of 1–4 h and temperature of 500–1200 °C, after which the yield and efficiency decline rapidly due to molecular breakdown. This study also examines the biomass milling process requirements; the influence of the dielectric properties, along with the effect of washing; and experimental setup challenges. The microwave setup system, biomass feed rate, product delivery, inert gas flow rate, reactor design and recovery lines are all important factors in the microwave activation process, and contribute to the overall efficiency of AC preparation. However, a major issue is a lack of large-scale industrial demonstration units for microwave technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2447 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Evaluating Circular Economy under a Multi-Parametric Approach: A Technological Review

by Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos, Vasilis C. Kapsalis, Konstantinos G. Aravossis, Miltiadis Zamparas and Alexandros Mitsikas

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6139; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216139 - 4 Nov 2019

Cited by 95 | Viewed by 7641

Abstract

A circular economy (CE) is conceptualized under different rounds of materials and energy cycling flows and is a matter of a three-level deployment: inter-enterprise circulation, regional circulation, and social circulation. Regarding them, the aim of this research was to get an update on [...] Read more.

A circular economy (CE) is conceptualized under different rounds of materials and energy cycling flows and is a matter of a three-level deployment: inter-enterprise circulation, regional circulation, and social circulation. Regarding them, the aim of this research was to get an update on the current technological advances and the perspectives of its implementation. Thus, a multi-parametric approach has been conducted to analyze the functionality of technologies in wastewater treatment, organic waste management, agrarian development, and food waste in the context of CE. Beside the narrative of the technological view, a critical approach assimilates the environmental, marketing, economic, governmental, and procedural viewpoints and leads to key indicators which are subject to positive and negative externalities. Due to this co-existence, we denoted the complexity of CE principle implementation and the need for specific envisage in each case, while proposing strategies are formulated in the light of social-environmental impact. Finally, further research gaps were proposed for deeper consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies and Strategies of the Development of the Low Carbon Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2245 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Environmental Sustainability of Greenhouse Covering Materials

by Chrysanthos Maraveas

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216129 - 3 Nov 2019

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 9782

Abstract

The fundamental objective of the review article was to explore the ecological sustainability of greenhouse covering material based on the following themes; considerations for greenhouse materials, properties of polymers and glass, additives, fillers, stabilizers and reinforcements, performance, Ultraviolet (UV) transmittance, phase change materials [...] Read more.

The fundamental objective of the review article was to explore the ecological sustainability of greenhouse covering material based on the following themes; considerations for greenhouse materials, properties of polymers and glass, additives, fillers, stabilizers and reinforcements, performance, Ultraviolet (UV) transmittance, phase change materials (PCMs), and environmental sustainability. A comparison of various polymers (polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, D-polymer, Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyolefins), and silica glasses illustrated that each type of greenhouse cladding material has its unique merits and limitations. The performance of silica glasses, PVC, polyolefins was influenced by weather, greenhouse design, plant under cultivation, percentage UV transmittance, incorporation of additives and stabilizers, reinforcements, and integration of photovoltaic panels into the greenhouse roof among other factors. Polymers can be customized to achieve 0%UV transmittance, slow-insecticide release, and anti-microbial properties. In contrast, glass materials are preferred based on suitable photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmittance and near-infrared (NIR) reflection and less risk of photo-oxidation. From an ecological perspective, polymers can be recycled via mechanical and chemical recycling, closed-loop cycling, and polymerization of bio-based feedstock. However, post-consumer plastic films do not possess the same optical and energy properties as virgin polymers. The combined benefits of different polymers suggest that these materials could be adopted on a large scale over the long-term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Suitable Agronomic Techniques for Sustainable Agriculture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1406 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Legislation for the Reuse of Biosolids on Agricultural Land in Europe: Overview

by Maria Cristina Collivignarelli, Alessandro Abbà, Andrea Frattarola, Marco Carnevale Miino, Sergio Padovani, Ioannis Katsoyiannis and Vincenzo Torretta

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6015; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216015 - 29 Oct 2019

Cited by 197 | Viewed by 12610

Abstract

The issues concerning the management of sewage sludge produced in wastewater treatment plants are becoming more important in Europe due to: (i) the modification of sludge quality (biological and chemical sludge are often mixed with negative impacts on sludge management, especially for land [...] Read more.

The issues concerning the management of sewage sludge produced in wastewater treatment plants are becoming more important in Europe due to: (i) the modification of sludge quality (biological and chemical sludge are often mixed with negative impacts on sludge management, especially for land application); (ii) the evolution of legislation (landfill disposal is banned in many European countries); and (iii) the technologies for energy and material recovery from sludge not being fully applied in all European Member States. Furthermore, Directive 2018/851/EC introduced the waste hierarchy that involved a new strategy with the prevention in waste production and the minimization of landfill disposal. In this context, biological sewage sludge can be treated in order to produce more stabilized residues: the biosolids. In some European countries, the reuse of biosolids as soil improver/fertilizer in arable crops represents the most used option. In order to control the quality of biosolids used for land application, every Member State has issued a national regulation based on the European directive. The aim of this work is to compare the different approaches provided by European Member States for the reuse of biosolids in agricultural soils. A focus on the regulation of countries that reuse significant amount of biosolids for land application was performed. Finally, a detailed study on Italian legislation both at national and regional levels is reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Management and Application of the Principles of the Circular Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 910 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Illicit Chinese Small-Scale Mining in Ghana: Beyond Institutional Weakness?

by James Boafo, Sebastian Angzoorokuu Paalo and Senyo Dotsey

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 5943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11215943 - 25 Oct 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8767

Abstract

While the engagement of Chinese migrants in small-scale mining in Ghana has gained traction in scholarship, the extant literature pays little attention to how the relationship between the so-called formal institutions (e.g., the Minerals Commission and Ministry of Land and Natural Resources) and [...] Read more.

While the engagement of Chinese migrants in small-scale mining in Ghana has gained traction in scholarship, the extant literature pays little attention to how the relationship between the so-called formal institutions (e.g., the Minerals Commission and Ministry of Land and Natural Resources) and informal institutions (e.g., the chieftaincy and customary land institutions) enables illegalities in the mining industry. This paper addresses this gap in the literature, focusing on the relationship between formal state and informal customary land institutions in the small-scale mining sector. Using an institutional analytical framework, we argue that the increasing involvement of the Chinese in small-scale mining in Ghana is an expression of a bigger and deep-seated problem characterized largely by uncoordinated interactions between key state and customary institutions. This, we suggest, creates parallel operations of formal and informal systems that promote different levels of agency and maneuvering among actors―breeding uncertainty, bureaucratic logjams, and illegalities in the mining industry. Based on our findings, we recommend that a more efficient coordination between the relevant state and traditional land governing institutions could curb the proliferation of illegal mining activities, and in particular, those involving Chinese migrants. As part of the conclusion, we suggest that future empirical research be conducted to explore the interactions between formal and informal institutions and how they affect mining activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Resource Industries and Environmental Conflicts: Disciplinary Approaches, Methods, Literatures and Comparative Insights)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 597 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Are Higher Input Levels to Triticale Growing Technologies Effective in Biofuel Production System?

by Stanisław Bielski, Kęstutis Romaneckas, Anastasija Novikova and Egidijus Šarauskis

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 5915; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11215915 - 24 Oct 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

Energy use in agricultural production has been increasing faster than in many other sectors of the world economy. Owing to high energy consumption during the production of agricultural inputs, with mineral nitrogen fertilizers in particular, it is often questioned as to whether agricultural [...] Read more.

Energy use in agricultural production has been increasing faster than in many other sectors of the world economy. Owing to high energy consumption during the production of agricultural inputs, with mineral nitrogen fertilizers in particular, it is often questioned as to whether agricultural production is still energy efficient. The objective of this research was to evaluate the energy efficiency of different intensity systems for the production of semi-dwarf winter triticale cultivar ”Twingo”. Cultivar “Twingo” entered the Polish National List in 2012 as one of the best yielding. For this reason, it was used in this experiment to examine its response to basic agrotechnical factors. The field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Experiment Station in Tomaszkowo in 2013–2015. Low-input, medium-input and high-input production systems were evaluated. The compared systems differed in nitrogen fertilization rates and the level of fungicide protection. The highest output/input ratio was noticed growing winter triticale in low-input production system. The most energy-consuming operation during winter triticale production in the compared systems was mineral fertilization. The high-input production system was significantly lower energy efficiency than the other systems (6.21, medium-input 5.95, low-input 8.19). The energy return on investment (EROI) ratio was low, but above 1, in all the analyzed technologies (low-input 1.30, medium-input 1.14, high-input 1.15). The energy value of the bioethanol produced was higher than the energy inputs into the production of raw material and its processing. The conversion of winter triticale grain to bioethanol proved that the EROI reached the most favorable value for the low-input production system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3738 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Changing Role of CO₂ in the Transition to a Circular Economy: Review of Carbon Sequestration Projects

by Pavel Tcvetkov, Alexey Cherepovitsyn and Sergey Fedoseev

Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5834; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205834 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 96 | Viewed by 10574

Abstract

Despite the diversity of studies on global warming and climate change mitigation technologies, research on the changing role of CO₂ in the industrial processes, which is connected with the introduction of circular economy principles, is still out of scope. The purpose of [...] Read more.

Despite the diversity of studies on global warming and climate change mitigation technologies, research on the changing role of CO₂ in the industrial processes, which is connected with the introduction of circular economy principles, is still out of scope. The purpose of this review is to answer the following question: Is technogenic CO₂ still an industrial waste or has it become a valuable resource? For this purpose, statistical information from the National Energy Technology Library and the Global CCS Institute databases were reviewed. All sequestration projects (199) were divided into three groups: carbon capture and storage (65); carbon capture, utilization, and storage (100); and carbon capture and utilization (34). It was found that: (1) total annual CO₂ consumption of such projects was 50.1 Mtpa in 2018, with a possible increase to 326.7 Mtpa in the coming decade; (2) total amount of CO₂ sequestered in such projects could be 2209 Mt in 2028; (3) the risk of such projects being cancelled or postponed is around 31.8%; (4) CO₂ is a valuable and sought-after resource for various industries. It was concluded that further development of carbon capture and utilization technologies will invariably lead to a change in attitudes towards CO₂, as well as the appearance of new CO₂-based markets and industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Management and Application of the Principles of the Circular Economy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3980 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Potential Utilization of RDF as an Alternative Fuel to be Used in Cement Industry in Jordan

by Safwat Hemidat, Motasem Saidan, Salam Al-Zu’bi, Mahmoud Irshidat, Abdallah Nassour and Michael Nelles

Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5819; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205819 - 20 Oct 2019

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 6215

Abstract

This experimental research aimed to examine potential production and utilization of RDF derived from mixed municipal solid waste using bio-drying technology to be used as a substitute fuel for the traditional fuel currently used in cement plants in Jordan. The characteristics of RDF [...] Read more.

This experimental research aimed to examine potential production and utilization of RDF derived from mixed municipal solid waste using bio-drying technology to be used as a substitute fuel for the traditional fuel currently used in cement plants in Jordan. The characteristics of RDF produced were identified and compared with limits and criteria set by some European countries. An economic model for RDF utilization in cement industry was created. The model proposes six different options resulting from adding RDF as a substitute fuel for the petcoke fuel currently used. A cost analysis for each option proposed was performed to estimate the economic and environmental savings of RDF utilization in cement industry. At the end of the bio-drying process, the mass of dried waste directed to the landfill was reduced by about 35%. In the case of the recovery of RDF materials from dried waste, the mass of waste to be landfilled was reduced by 69%. The bio-drying process allowed an increase in the heating value of waste (LHV) by 58% to reach 15.58 MJ/kg, as a result of the reduction of waste moisture. RDF produced had high calorific value, low water content, and satisfactory chlorine content. With regard to the concentration of the heavy metals, all of the RDF samples tested had lower concentrations than those values set by some European countries. The findings showed that adding 15% RDF as a substitute fuel, equaling 4.92 tons/h, to the fuel used in cement kilns will save 486 USD/h in petcoke costs, with 2.27 tons/h of CO₂ being emitted into the atmosphere at a net saving of 389 USD/h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5620 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multi-Scale Estimation of Land Use Efficiency (SDG 11.3.1) across 25 Years Using Global Open and Free Data

by Marcello Schiavina, Michele Melchiorri, Christina Corbane, Aneta J. Florczyk, Sergio Freire, Martino Pesaresi and Thomas Kemper

Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5674; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205674 - 14 Oct 2019

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 8389

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 aspires to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, and the introduction of an explicit urban goal testifies to the importance of urbanisation. The understanding of the process of urbanisation and the capacity to monitor [...] Read more.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 aspires to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, and the introduction of an explicit urban goal testifies to the importance of urbanisation. The understanding of the process of urbanisation and the capacity to monitor the SDGs require a wealth of open, reliable, locally yet globally comparable data, and a fully-fledged data revolution. In this framework, the European Commission–Joint Research Centre has developed a suite of (open and free) data and tools named Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) which maps the human presence on Earth (built-up areas, population distribution and settlement typologies) between 1975 and 2015. The GHSL supplies information on the progressive expansion of built-up areas on Earth and population dynamics in human settlements, with both sources of information serving as baseline data to quantify land use efficiency (LUE), listed as a Tier II indicator for SDG 11 (11.3.1). In this paper, we present the profile of the LUE across several territorial scales between 1990 and 2015, highlighting diverse development trajectories and the land take efficiency of different human settlements. Our results show that (i) the GHSL framework allows us to estimate LUE for the entire planet at several territorial scales, opening the opportunity of lifting the LUE indicator from its Tier II classification; (ii) the current formulation of the LUE is substantially subject to path dependency; and (iii) it requires additional spatially-explicit metrics for its interpretation. We propose the Achieved Population Density in Expansion Areas and the Marginal Land Consumption per New Inhabitant metrics for this purpose. The study is planetary and multi-temporal in coverage, demonstrating the value of well-designed, open and free, fine-scale geospatial information on human settlements in supporting policy and monitoring progress made towards meeting the SDGs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Editor’s Choice Articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI