Sustainability

27 pages, 18367 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Low-Cost Gamified Urban Planning Methodology Enhanced with Co-Creation and Participatory Approaches

by Ioannis Kavouras, Emmanuel Sardis, Eftychios Protopapadakis, Ioannis Rallis, Anastasios Doulamis and Nikolaos Doulamis

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2297; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032297 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Targeted nature-based small-scale interventions is an approach commonly adopted by urban developers. The public acceptance of their implementation could be improved by participation, emphasizing residents or shopkeepers located close to the areas of interest. In this work, we propose a methodology that combines [...] Read more.

Targeted nature-based small-scale interventions is an approach commonly adopted by urban developers. The public acceptance of their implementation could be improved by participation, emphasizing residents or shopkeepers located close to the areas of interest. In this work, we propose a methodology that combines 3D technology, based on open data sources, user-generated content, 3D software and game engines for both minimizing the time and cost of the whole planning process and enhancing citizen participation. The proposed schemes are demonstrated in Piraeus (Greece) and Gladsaxe (Denmark). The core findings can be summarized as follows: (a) the time and cost are minimized by using online databases, (b) the gamification of the planning process enhances the decision making process and (c) the interactivity provided by the game engine inspired the participation of non-experts in the planning process (co-creation and co-evaluation), which decentralizes and democratizes the final planning solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions to Foster Sustainable Urban Development)

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18 pages, 6079 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Framework for Evidence-Based Landscape Architecture: Cooling a Hot Urban Climate through Design

by Xiaoyu Li, Jingxi Peng, Dongying Li and Robert D. Brown

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2301; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032301 - 26 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2434

Abstract

The rapidly advancing knowledge of the interactions between people and their environment provides opportunities for designers to practice evidence-based landscape architecture (EBLA) in designing outdoor spaces. Recent studies have proposed some characteristics of successful EBLA projects, including the following: amicable skepticism; the questioning [...] Read more.

The rapidly advancing knowledge of the interactions between people and their environment provides opportunities for designers to practice evidence-based landscape architecture (EBLA) in designing outdoor spaces. Recent studies have proposed some characteristics of successful EBLA projects, including the following: amicable skepticism; the questioning of assumptions; the verification of information; the application of evidence to the problem at hand; and data that is openly reported and replicable. These five steps were the basis for a framework that was developed and tested through the redesign of a downtown area in a hot-climate city, El Paso, Texas. The process started with the collection of base information, including local climate conditions and evidence on heat-related illness. Case studies and a search of the literature led to the questioning of some assumptions, including the expectation that the air temperature on the site could be substantially modified through design. On-site microclimate measurements were used to confirm this insight, and were used to validate computer models. The validated models were used to assess the thermal comfort conditions across the site. A human energy budget model was used to identify the key atmospheric elements that both strongly affect a person’s heat health, and that can also be readily modified through landscape architectural design. These led to the development of guidelines, which were developed as a ‘tool kit’ and applied to the design. Amicable skepticism was practiced throughout the process to confirm that the decisions were made based on evidence, not opinions or preconceived notions. The resulting design was tested using computer models to check whether the goal of thermally comfortable conditions was met. The quantitative results illustrated the amount of improvement to the thermal comfort of site visitors. This process is universal and can be applied to any landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Design Promoting Human Well-Being in Urban Areas)

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21 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Monitoring of Performance-Based Environmental Impacts of Substituting Soybean Meal with Rapeseed Meal in the Rye-Based Diet of Weaned Pigs

by Volker Wilke, Julia Gickel and Christian Visscher

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032210 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1823

Abstract

Due to its favorable properties, soybean meal (SBM) is used especially in young growing animals. In terms of sustainability, there are various efforts to reduce the amounts of SBM in compound feeds and to increase the use of regional protein sources. This paper [...] Read more.

Due to its favorable properties, soybean meal (SBM) is used especially in young growing animals. In terms of sustainability, there are various efforts to reduce the amounts of SBM in compound feeds and to increase the use of regional protein sources. This paper focuses on the effects of a partial to total substitution of SBM by regionally produced rapeseed meal (RSM) in different piglet diets regarding 10 important factors having an impact on the environment. Four diets, characterized by different shares (%) of both protein-rich ingredients (SBM/RSM: 18.1/0; 13.6/6.70; 8.10/16.1; 0/28.0), were fed to four groups of 10 piglets each in two runs. The impact was calculated related to feed (per t) and was performance-based for every piglet (impact·kg weight gain⁻¹) for each factor using methods according to life-cycle-analyses (LCA). Although feed intake and weight gains were not affected negatively, higher feed conversion ratios occurred, with high amounts of rapeseed inclusion. Nevertheless, the performance-based negative influence on climate change (kg CO₂ eq·kg weight gain⁻¹) was nearly halved when SBM was replaced by RSM. Since performance was not negatively affected, the use of RSM instead of SBM in piglet diets could be a viable tool for markedly reducing the negative impact on climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Livestock Production and Management)

17 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improved Recovery of Overloaded Anaerobic Batch Reactors by Graphene Oxide

by Michele Ponzelli, Hiep Nguyen, Jörg E. Drewes and Konrad Koch

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2224; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032224 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1412

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion reactors may suffer from acidification when overloading occurs. Carbon-based materials are amended to mitigate the souring effects of excessive loading. This study aims to test if graphene oxide (GO) helps overloaded anaerobic reactors recover faster. Batch tests were conducted following a [...] Read more.

Anaerobic digestion reactors may suffer from acidification when overloading occurs. Carbon-based materials are amended to mitigate the souring effects of excessive loading. This study aims to test if graphene oxide (GO) helps overloaded anaerobic reactors recover faster. Batch tests were conducted following a fed-batch strategy at different GO levels (0, 10, and 20 mg GO per g of volatile solid (VS)) and different inoculum substrate ratios (ISRs) of 2, 1, and 0.75 based on VS. While an ISR of 2 was initially applied, the ISR was decreased to 1 and 0.75 in two parallel sets of experiments to simulate overloading conditions at the fourth feeding cycle. Lastly, an ISR of 2 was restored in all assays. First-order model kinetic constants confirmed a significant (p < 0.05) effect by GO from the third feed on. Although the GO-amended assays did not alleviate the acidification effects, during the final phase the kinetic constants reached values similar to or even above the controls (without GO). Moreover, a GO concentration up to 20 mg_GO/g_VS had no impact on FOS/TAC. Overall, this study broadens the understanding of the design and operation of anaerobic reactors amended with GO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment and Sustainability of Development)

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21 pages, 5663 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Combining CAD Modeling and Simulation of Energy Performance Data for the Retrofit of Public Buildings

by Konstantinos Sofias, Zoe Kanetaki, Constantinos Stergiou and Sébastien Jacques

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032211 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1872

Abstract

The retrofit of the most energy-intensive buildings represents an opportunity to improve their energy efficiency or to reduce their energy demand. This paper proposes combining computer-aided design (CAD) modeling and the use of energy efficiency software to build a methodology for calculating, visualizing [...] Read more.

The retrofit of the most energy-intensive buildings represents an opportunity to improve their energy efficiency or to reduce their energy demand. This paper proposes combining computer-aided design (CAD) modeling and the use of energy efficiency software to build a methodology for calculating, visualizing and analyzing building parameters in order to provide retrofit scenarios. Five retrofit scenarios were implemented using the energy software, including the initial operating cost, capital cost and payback period to be evaluated. At the same time, a three-dimensional CAD model was created to perform daylighting and shading simulations to visualize and design the role of building orientation under actual use conditions. These retrofit scenarios were evaluated individually and then combined to examine their performance in terms of cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. The simulation results show the importance of the building’s orientation, as this directly affects the thermal properties of the walls and openings, as well as the daylighting areas. The simulation results were also used to define the parameters that affect the interoperability of the retrofit solutions. Finally, in addition to the significant reduction in calculation time, the coupling of the CAD software with the energy efficiency software allowed access to information that was not available at the outset. Full article

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19 pages, 3638 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Automation of Large-Scale Gaseous Ozonation: A Case Study of Textile and PPE Decontamination

by Emmanuel I. Epelle, Mohammed Yaseen, Andrew Macfarlane, Michael Cusack, Anthony Burns and Luc Rolland

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2216; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032216 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

There is an ever-growing need in several industries to disinfect or sanitise products (i.e., to reduce or eliminate pathogenic microorganisms from their surfaces). Gaseous ozone has been widely applied for this purpose, particularly during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the large-scale [...] Read more.

There is an ever-growing need in several industries to disinfect or sanitise products (i.e., to reduce or eliminate pathogenic microorganisms from their surfaces). Gaseous ozone has been widely applied for this purpose, particularly during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the large-scale deployment of this technology usually involves a manually-operated chamber, into which articles are loaded and subsequently unloaded after treatment—a batch process. Although the development of large-scale, automated and continuous ozonation equipment has hardly been reported in the literature, this has tremendous potential for industries seeking to decontaminate certain articles/products in a rapid and effective manner. In this paper, an overview of the design and implementation considerations for such an undertaking is evaluated. By presenting a case study for a developed automated system for clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) disinfection, we provide key data regarding the automation procedure/design’s considerations, risks, material compatibility, safety, sustainability and process economics. Our analysis shows that the transfer time for garments between successive chambers and the agility of the sliding doors are crucial to achieving the desired throughput. The automated system is capable of effectively treating (20 ppm ozone for 4 min) 20,000 garments within an 8-h shift, based on a transfer time of 2 min and a sliding door speed of 0.4 m/s. The flexibility of the system allows for variation in the concentration or exposure time, depending on the contamination level and the consequent decontamination efficiency desired. This flexibility significantly limits the degradation of the material during treatment. A return on investment of 47% is estimated for this novel system. Full article

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29 pages, 4376 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Renewable Electricity Output on Sustainability in the Context of Circular Economy: A Global Perspective

by Lucio Laureti, Alessandro Massaro, Alberto Costantiello and Angelo Leogrande

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032160 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2791

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the impact of “Renewable Electricity Output” on the green economy in the context of the circular economy for 193 countries in the period 2011–2020. We use data from the World Bank ESG framework. We perform Panel Data with [...] Read more.

In this article, we investigate the impact of “Renewable Electricity Output” on the green economy in the context of the circular economy for 193 countries in the period 2011–2020. We use data from the World Bank ESG framework. We perform Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Weighted Last Squares-WLS, and Pooled Ordinary Least Squares-OLS. Our results show that Renewable Electricity Output is positively associated, among others, with “Adjusted Savings-Net Forest Depletion” and “Renewable Energy Consumption” and negatively associated, among others, with “CO₂ Emission” and “Cooling Degree Days”. Furthermore, we perform a cluster analysis implementing the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Elbow Method and we find the presence of four clusters. In adjunct, we confront seven different machine learning algorithms to predict the future level of “Renewable Electricity Output”. Our results show that Linear Regression is the best algorithm and that the future value of renewable electricity output is predicted to growth on average at a rate of 0.83% for the selected countries. Furthermore, we improve the machine learning analysis with a Deep Learning approach using Convolutional Neural Network-CNN but the algorithm is not appropriate for the analyzed dataset. Less complex machine learning algorithms show better statistical results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Integrated Clean Environment for Human & Nature)

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15 pages, 2635 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Drone Use in On-Farm Environmental Compliance: An Investigation of Regulators’ Perspectives

by Victoria Westbrooke, Xiaomeng Lucock and Isobel Greenhalgh

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032153 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1647

Abstract

Freshwater resources around the world are under increasing pressure from agricultural activities. As a result, regulatory frameworks around on-farm environmental compliance have become more complex. Consequently, farm plans which have been used in New Zealand to identify risks to and develop mitigation strategies [...] Read more.

Freshwater resources around the world are under increasing pressure from agricultural activities. As a result, regulatory frameworks around on-farm environmental compliance have become more complex. Consequently, farm plans which have been used in New Zealand to identify risks to and develop mitigation strategies for freshwater quality can be time consuming and costly to develop and monitor. Using semi-structured interviews, this study investigated the views of the regulators working in environmental policy and implementation on the use of drones to increase the efficiency of on-farm environmental compliance. Results show that drones can improve process robustness by providing an aerial view, and that they are quicker and safer to use on steeper contoured farms. However, there is confusion around the permissions required in order to capture footage, its ownership and storage, and who has access rights to the footage. This ambiguity in the implementation of environmental regulations can lead to uncertainty on the part of policy implementors around how to integrate drones in on-farm environmental compliance. In addition, positive relationships between farmers and compliance officers are needed in order for the benefits of drone use to be realised for on-farm environmental compliance purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation and Solution for Sustainable Agriculture)

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19 pages, 1964 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatial Inequalities in Access to Micromobility Services: An Analysis of Moped-Style Scooter Sharing Systems in Barcelona

by Xavier Bach, Carme Miralles-Guasch and Oriol Marquet

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032096 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

Micromobility services hold substantial potential in terms of promoting shared and electric-powered mobility modes, however, little is known about their accessibility and what shapes their spatial coverage. These two issues are important to understand how socially equitable these modes can really be and [...] Read more.

Micromobility services hold substantial potential in terms of promoting shared and electric-powered mobility modes, however, little is known about their accessibility and what shapes their spatial coverage. These two issues are important to understand how socially equitable these modes can really be and how public policies should manage their implementation in urban areas. Hence, this study examines the determinants of the spatial coverage of four moped-style scooter sharing services (MSS) in Barcelona. The article examines the socio-territorial characteristics of the coverage areas of each MSS, as defined in 2019, together with the minimum area that operators had to provide service in 2020 according to the local regulation. For each MSS, a binomial generalized linear mixed model is employed to predict the odds of each cadastral parcel being covered by the service and analyzed the main spatial determinants associated with it. The results suggest that territorial coverage is defined by centrality, household disposable income, and topography, with low-accessibility areas consistently omitted from services. The conclusions underline the need for the public sector to participate in the design of spatial coverage areas of MSS to guarantee spatial equity and transportation justice and avoid private sector designs that systematically exclude less attractive areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Emerging Technologies, Law and Policies)

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21 pages, 5108 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Use of One-Stage Detector and Feature Detector in Infrared Video on Transport Infrastructure and Tunnels

by David Švorc, Tomáš Tichý, Miroslav Růžička and Petr Ivasienko

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032122 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1516

Abstract

This article presents the use of the combination of the object detection method and feature detector in an infrared video on traffic infrastructure and in tunnels. The theme of the paper is the validation of vehicle detection and its classification using infrared video [...] Read more.

This article presents the use of the combination of the object detection method and feature detector in an infrared video on traffic infrastructure and in tunnels. The theme of the paper is the validation of vehicle detection and its classification using infrared video streams. In addition, the article focuses on the use of a feature detector and object detection to distinguish between vehicles with electric and combustion motors. The method suggests the use of a low-resolution thermal camera as an inexpensive extension of installed thermal camera technologies. The developed system has been verified for the applicability of vehicle detection and classification using object detection methods and their application in transport infrastructure and tunnels. It also presents a method for distinguishing propulsion units into electric and internal combustion; both systems’ conclusions are then statistically verified. The application of the system is evident in regional traffic management systems, including safety applications for traffic control in tunnels. Categorizing vehicles provides valuable information for higher levels of traffic management, toll systems, and municipal database systems, as well as for a preventive system for estimating vehicle conditions and their potential of fire in tunnels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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23 pages, 2149 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Development and Validation of a Scale to Assess Moral Disengagement in High-Carbon Behavior

by Susanne Stoll-Kleemann, Philipp Franikowski and Susanne Nicolai

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032054 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

The reduction of individual carbon consumption could make an important contribution to the worldwide effort to limit global warming. Based on Bandura’s theory of moral disengagement, we hypothesized that the propensity to morally disengage concerning high-carbon behaviors (e.g., eating meat or traveling by [...] Read more.

The reduction of individual carbon consumption could make an important contribution to the worldwide effort to limit global warming. Based on Bandura’s theory of moral disengagement, we hypothesized that the propensity to morally disengage concerning high-carbon behaviors (e.g., eating meat or traveling by plane) is one important factor that prevents individuals from reducing their carbon footprint. To measure the propensity to morally disengage in high-carbon-related behavior contexts, a questionnaire (MD-HCB) was developed and psychometrically validated in an online study with a German sample (N = 220). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the final nine-item scale had a one-dimensional structure, as intended. The internal consistency of the scale was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and the scale interpretation had predictive validity for both past low-carbon consumption behavior and the intention to engage in such behavior in the future. Correlational analyses with relevant existing instruments confirmed the construct validity of the interpretations that can be drawn from the MD-HCB, as its resulting score is related to, yet separable from, the general tendency to morally disengage and is meaningfully connected to related constructs. A pre-study with a student sample (N = 89) not only helped to identify limitations in the study design but also showed a weak predictive ability of moral competence concerning high-carbon consumption behavior and intention to change. Based on our findings, future media campaigns designed to increase people’s intention to reduce high-carbon behavior could focus on the modification of common cognitive disengagement strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Human Reaction: Transformation, Governance, Ethics, Law)

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20 pages, 11765 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Port Competition through Hinterland Connectivity—A Case Study for Potential Hinterland Scope in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Regarding an Environmental Policy Measure

by Michael Gleser, Ralf Elbert and Hongjun Wu

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031980 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2013

Abstract

Comparable port efficiency among ports of the European northern range leads to a competitive shift toward hinterland connectivity. North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), having a high population and industry density and an extensive road, rail and waterway network, is prone to such inter port competition [...] Read more.

Comparable port efficiency among ports of the European northern range leads to a competitive shift toward hinterland connectivity. North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), having a high population and industry density and an extensive road, rail and waterway network, is prone to such inter port competition due to its proximity. Using a simulation model, the potential hinterland scope by each port and mode in NRW is depicted and a sensitivity analysis with increasing carbon tax rates is conducted. With an increasing tax rate, the scope for central areas of NRW, prone to a shift to rail transport, expands and become heavily contested among multiple ports. A major profiteer of an increase is projected to be the Port of Rotterdam due to its good connectivity at the cost of Antwerp. The market share of German ports is likely to stay the same with a mode shift occurring. Policy measures like a carbon tax not only have an effect on environmentally friendly mode shift but can severely impact the competitive situation of infrastructure components. While achieving the primary goal of transport sustainability, national interests might mandate the economical existence of a functioning maritime port, which leads to the consideration of additional measures when increasing carbon tax rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges of Environmental Protection in Sustainable Transportation Planning)

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25 pages, 2913 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

How Can We Frame Energy Communities’ Organisational Models? Insights from the Research ‘Community Energy Map’ in the Italian Context

by Lorenzo De Vidovich, Luca Tricarico and Matteo Zulianello

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031997 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2440

Abstract

According to the early transposition of the EU directives by the Italian government, this paper presents some of the outcomes of the qualitative-led applied research titled Community Energy Map, aimed at identifying the main operational models and organisational frameworks put in place [...] Read more.

According to the early transposition of the EU directives by the Italian government, this paper presents some of the outcomes of the qualitative-led applied research titled Community Energy Map, aimed at identifying the main operational models and organisational frameworks put in place for the development of renewable energy communities (RECs). In this respect, the article discusses a threefold subdivision of organisational models to implement RECs: public lead, pluralist, and community energy builders’ model. Furthermore, the paper illustrates in detail three of the nine case studies dedicated to recently launched RECs, conducted through qualitative fieldworks, to investigate the social and local implications generated by these community-led initiatives. The article stresses the relevance of both the local scale and community-led initiatives in the pathway towards a fair and just energy transition, by discussing how RECs define new organisational models of distributed energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Involvement of Crowds for Advancing Knowledge, Promoting Innovation and Nurturing New Entrepreneurial Ventures)

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22 pages, 9525 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Experimental Analysis of the Thermal Performance of Wood Fiber Insulating Panels

by Francesco Asdrubali, Luca Evangelisti, Claudia Guattari, Marta Roncone and Daniele Milone

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031963 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2462

Abstract

During the last decades, attention to energy and environmental problems has significantly grown, along with the development of international and national policies addressing sustainability issues. In the construction sector, one of the most widespread energy efficiency strategies consists of thermal insulation of buildings [...] Read more.

During the last decades, attention to energy and environmental problems has significantly grown, along with the development of international and national policies addressing sustainability issues. In the construction sector, one of the most widespread energy efficiency strategies consists of thermal insulation of buildings thanks to external insulating panels. Among these, wood fiber is an insulating material characterized by a natural, eco-sustainable and biodegradable structure, coming from the recycling of waste wood from sawmills. The present study aimed to characterize small test building insulated with wood fiber panels from the thermal point of view, comparing the results with those of an identical, non-insulated reference test building. The experimental campaign highlighted several advantages and an excellent thermal performance provided by the eco-sustainable solution of wood fiber insulating panels: Lower values of the thermal transmittance (−57%), thus ensuring greater stability of the internal air temperature and better values in terms of attenuation (−60% in summer and −74 % in winter) and phase shift (+2 h in summer and +2.28 h in winter) compared to those obtained from the reference building. The material is also equipped with an Environmental Performance Declaration (EPD) that certifies its environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building Energy Efficiency)

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15 pages, 935 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

New Environmental Controversies: Towards a Typology of Green Conflicts

by Mikkel Fugl Eskjær and Anders Horsbøl

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031914 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1798

Abstract

As the ecological crisis deepen, new environmental controversies emerge. Whereas traditional environmental conflicts mostly concern socio-economic interests clashing with environmental protection, recent conflicts are increasingly pitting different environmental considerations against each other. These green conflicts have received scattered attention in the scholarly literature, [...] Read more.

As the ecological crisis deepen, new environmental controversies emerge. Whereas traditional environmental conflicts mostly concern socio-economic interests clashing with environmental protection, recent conflicts are increasingly pitting different environmental considerations against each other. These green conflicts have received scattered attention in the scholarly literature, mostly in the form of case studies in relation to renewable energy plants, such as wind turbines and solar panels. However, there is a need for more systematic approaches to conceptualize the green conflicts. This article embarks on that task by developing a typology of green conflicts as they appear in public discourse and mediated communication. We test the model on public debates on four different topics: national parks, organic farming, wind turbines, and nuclear energy. Our data suggests that green conflicts can increasingly be found across a wide range of environmental and climate change issues. However, green conflicts are not simply replacing traditional environmental conflicts, but are rather adding new layers to environmental controversies by reconfiguring conflict lines, actor positions, spatial scales, and temporalities. Full article

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16 pages, 25928 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Research on Green and Low-Carbon Rural Development in China: A Scientometric Analysis Using CiteSpace (1979–2021)

by Bin Liu, Chan Lu and Chun Yi

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031907 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2021

Abstract

Green and low-carbon rural development (GLRD) is becoming an important way to explore sustainable development in rural areas of China. It is significant for the sustainable development of the rural economy and of society to build a rural carbon sink system, advocate low-carbon [...] Read more.

Green and low-carbon rural development (GLRD) is becoming an important way to explore sustainable development in rural areas of China. It is significant for the sustainable development of the rural economy and of society to build a rural carbon sink system, advocate low-carbon emissions in rural areas, and promote the development of rural green industries and rural transformation. In this study, the existing knowledge system of GLRD was analyzed using CiteSpace. Keywords related to GLRD and their occurrence frequency were identified using keyword co-occurrence analysis. The knowledge evolution stages of GLRD were explored using citation burst analysis. Thus, the evolution of the research related to GLRD was revealed. The summary of Chinese GLRD-related research literature shows that: (1) according to the CiteSpace analysis, the GLRD research can be divided into three stages: starting, rising, and expanding and deepening; (2) GLRD research has focused on low-carbon development, green development, and then green and low-carbon integrated development, thus forming three major research content systems; (3) GLRD’s research content gradually became rich, as over time, the research focus became increasingly prominent and research integration was gradually strengthened; (4) the GLRD literature still has some limitations, e.g., nonunified measurement standards, insufficient research depth and practical significance, and relatively weak innovative policy research; (5) future research should strengthen the scientific evaluation and prediction of rural green and low-carbon functions. The industrial development pathways and regional characteristic modes of GLRD should be further studied. Innovative GLRD policies should be proposed to provide a theoretical basis and decision-making reference for GLRD and construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Cities and Regions – Statistical Approaches)

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24 pages, 1090 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Welfare and Behavior Indicators of Broilers Fed Diets Supplemented with Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast

by Anna Dedousi, Sotiris I. Patsios, Maria-Zoi Kritsa, Konstantinos N. Kontogiannopoulos, Maria Ioannidou, Antonios Zdragas and Evangelia N. Sossidou

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1924; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031924 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1564

Abstract

This study investigated the dietary impact of dried Yarrowia lipolytica yeast (YLP) on the growth performance, meat quality, welfare and behavior indicators of broilers. It was performed in a commercial poultry farm using 108 13 day-old Ross 308 male broilers. The chicks were [...] Read more.

This study investigated the dietary impact of dried Yarrowia lipolytica yeast (YLP) on the growth performance, meat quality, welfare and behavior indicators of broilers. It was performed in a commercial poultry farm using 108 13 day-old Ross 308 male broilers. The chicks were randomly and equally divided into three dietary groups CON, YLP3 and YLP5, according to the incorporation rate of YLP in the feed (0%, 3%, and 5%, respectively). A positive effect on foot pad dermatitis (FPD) of YLP-fed broilers was observed without any adverse effects on welfare, behavior, meat quality and the overall growth performance of the broilers. YLP significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) values in breast and thigh meat. YLP3 birds presented a superior nutrient quality of breast meat, as indicated by the increased concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), decreased levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), a better PUFA/SFA ratio and improved health lipid indices. A significant elevation of n-3 PUFAs was observed in the thigh meat of YLP-fed groups, compared to the CON groups. A positive effect on the overall sensory acceptance of thigh meat was detected in the YLP5 group. YLP feeding, at the rate of 3%, seems to be beneficial for improving the meat nutrition quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Management)

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20 pages, 3803 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigation of Vehicular Pollutant Emissions at 4-Arm Intersections for the Improvement of Integrated Actions in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs)

by Maksymilian Mądziel and Tiziana Campisi

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031860 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1529

Abstract

Sustainable urban mobility planning is a strategic and integrated approach that aims to effectively address the complexities of urban transportation. Additionally, vehicle emissions are still a significant problem found in cities. Its greatest concentration involves intersections, as they have the highest number of [...] Read more.

Sustainable urban mobility planning is a strategic and integrated approach that aims to effectively address the complexities of urban transportation. Additionally, vehicle emissions are still a significant problem found in cities. Its greatest concentration involves intersections, as they have the highest number of stop-and-go operations, resulting in the highest engine load. Although electrification of vehicles is underway, the coming years and the energy crisis may cause the full transformation and fulfillment of the European Green Deal to be postponed. This state of affairs means that much effort should still go into possibly modifying the current infrastructure to make it more environmentally friendly. The article addresses the use of vertical road markings such as “stop”, “give way”, and also signal controllers signs, at four-arm X intersections. The modeling of intersection variants was carried out in the traffic microsimulation software VISSIM. The created model was calibrated according to real world data. The actual part of the work concerns the assumption of specific traffic flow scenarios, for which measurements of delay and emissions of harmful exhaust components such as NOx and PM10 were made. The results obtained can have practical application in proposals for creating unequal intersections. Based on the results, it can be concluded that below the traffic volume value of 1200 vehicles/h, an intersection can be considered with a yield sign and stop sign for two directions of traffic. However, for traffic volumes from 1200 vehicles/h to 2000 vehicles/h, an intersection with stop signs can be used for all traffic directions. The results may also provide some information on the location of the crosswalks and the improvement of strategies to be introduced into the SUMPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Urban Health and Livable Cities: The Control and Management of Traffic-Related Air Pollution)

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14 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Phytoremediation of PAH- and Cu-Contaminated Soil by Cannabis sativa L.: Preliminary Experiments on a Laboratory Scale

by Ilaria Gabriele, Francesco Bianco, Marco Race, Stefano Papirio and Giovanni Esposito

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031852 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1829

Abstract

This study proposes the phytoremediation of phenanthrene (PHE)-, pyrene (PYR)-, and copper (Cu)-contaminated soil by Cannabis sativa L. The experimental campaign was conducted in 300 mL volume pots over a 50 d period using different initial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations, i.e., 100 [...] Read more.

This study proposes the phytoremediation of phenanthrene (PHE)-, pyrene (PYR)-, and copper (Cu)-contaminated soil by Cannabis sativa L. The experimental campaign was conducted in 300 mL volume pots over a 50 d period using different initial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations, i.e., 100 (PC1), 200 (PC2), and 300 (PC3) mg ƩPAHs kg⁻¹ dry weight of soil, while maintaining a constant Cu concentration of 350 mg∙kg⁻¹. PHE and PYR removal was 93 and 61%, 98 and 48%, and 97 and 36% in PC1, PC2, and PC3, respectively, in the greenhouse condition. The highest Cu extraction amounted to 58 mg∙kg⁻¹. In general, the growth of C. sativa L. under the PC1, PC2, and PC3 conditions decreased by approximately 25, 65, and 71% (dry biomass), respectively, compared to the uncontaminated control. The present study is aimed at highlighting the phytoremediation potential of C. sativa L. and providing the preliminary results necessary for future field-scale investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel and Sustainable Environmental Preservation Strategies for Polluted Solid Matrix)

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23 pages, 2534 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatialized Life Cycle Assessment of Fluid Milk Production and Consumption in the United States

by Andrew D. Henderson, Anne Asselin-Balençon, Martin C. Heller, Jasmina Burek, Daesoo Kim, Lindsay Lessard, Manuele Margni, Rosie Saad, Marty D. Matlock, Greg Thoma, Ying Wang and Olivier Jolliet

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1890; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031890 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3092

Abstract

Purpose: Understanding the main factors affecting the environmental impacts of milk production and consumption along the value chain is key towards reducing these impacts. This paper aims to present detailed spatialized distributions of impacts associated with milk production and consumption across the United [...] Read more.

Purpose: Understanding the main factors affecting the environmental impacts of milk production and consumption along the value chain is key towards reducing these impacts. This paper aims to present detailed spatialized distributions of impacts associated with milk production and consumption across the United States (U.S.), accounting for locations of both feed and on-farm activities, as well as variations in impact intensity. Using a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) approach, focus is given to impacts related to (a) water consumption, (b) eutrophication of marine and freshwater, (c) land use, (d) human toxicity and ecotoxicity, and (e) greenhouse gases. Methods: Drawing on data representing regional agricultural practices, feed production is modelled for 50 states and 18 main watersheds and linked to regions of milk production in a spatialized matrix-based approach to yield milk produced at farm gate. Milk processing, distribution, retail, and consumption are then modelled at a national level, accounting for retail and consumer losses. Custom characterization factors are developed for freshwater and marine eutrophication in the U.S. context. Results and discussion: In the overall life cycle, up to 30% of the impact per kg milk consumed is due to milk losses that occur during the retail and consumption phases (i.e., after production), emphasizing the importance of differentiating between farm gate and consumer estimates. Water scarcity is the impact category with the highest spatial variability. Watersheds in the western part of the U.S. are the dominant contributors to the total water consumed, with 80% of water scarcity impacts driven by only 40% of the total milk production. Freshwater eutrophication also has strong spatial variation, with high persistence of emitted phosphorus in Midwest and Great Lakes area, but high freshwater eutrophication impacts associated with extant phosphorus concentration above 100 µg/L in the California, Missouri, and Upper Mississippi water basins. Overall, normalized impacts of fluid milk consumption represent 0.25% to 0.8% of the annual average impact of a person living in the U.S. As milk at farm gate is used for fluid milk and other dairy products, the production of milk at farm gate represents 0.5% to 3% of this annual impact. Dominant contributions to human health impacts are from fine particulate matter and from climate change, whereas ecosystem impacts of milk are mostly due to land use and water consumption. Conclusion: This study provides a systematic, national perspective on the environmental impacts of milk production and consumption in the United States, showing high spatial variation in inputs, farm practices, and impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment of Food Systems: From Farm to Fork and Beyond)

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15 pages, 2763 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Empirical Study of the Effect of Thermal Loading on the Heating Efficiency of Variable-Speed Air Source Heat Pumps

by Tom Marsik, Vanessa Stevens, Robbin Garber-Slaght, Conor Dennehy, Robby Tartuilnguq Strunk and Alan Mitchell

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1880; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031880 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2747

Abstract

Heating buildings with air source heat pumps (ASHPs) has the potential to save energy compared to utilizing conventional heat sources. Accurate understanding of the efficiency of ASHPs is important to maximize the energy savings. While it is well understood that, in general, ASHP [...] Read more.

Heating buildings with air source heat pumps (ASHPs) has the potential to save energy compared to utilizing conventional heat sources. Accurate understanding of the efficiency of ASHPs is important to maximize the energy savings. While it is well understood that, in general, ASHP efficiency decreases with decreasing outdoor temperature, it is not well understood how the ASHP efficiency changes with different levels of thermal loading, even though it is an important consideration for sizing and controlling ASHPs. The goal of this study was to create an empirical model of the ASHP efficiency as a function of two independent variables–outside temperature and level of thermal loading. Four ductless mini-split ASHPs were evaluated in a cold chamber where the temperature (representing the outdoor temperature) was varied over a wide range. For each temperature, the ASHP performance data were collected at several levels of thermal loading. The data for all four ASHPs were combined and approximated with an analytical function that can be used as a general model for the ASHP steady-state efficiency as a function of the outside temperature and level of thermal loading. To the knowledge of the authors, no such empirical model that is solely based on third-party test data has been published before. While limitations exist, the model can be used to help guide future selection and operation of ASHPs. Full article

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16 pages, 7667 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Thermal Assessment of Dielectric Microspacer Technology Using an Advanced Three-Dimensional Simulation Model

by Myrto Zeneli, Alessandro Bellucci, Gianfranco Sabbatella, Maria Fotopoulou, Vasilis Apostolopoulos, Panagiotis Stamatopoulos, Daniele M. Trucchi, Aristeidis Nikolopoulos and Dimitrios Rakopoulos

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031786 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1370

Abstract

Dielectric microspacers (DMS) are a novel micro-technology that can be used to achieve a fixed micron/sub-micron gap distance between two separated surfaces, such as the emitter (cathode) and the PV cell (anode) of a near-field thermophotovoltaic converter (TPV). One of the system’s challenges [...] Read more.

Dielectric microspacers (DMS) are a novel micro-technology that can be used to achieve a fixed micron/sub-micron gap distance between two separated surfaces, such as the emitter (cathode) and the PV cell (anode) of a near-field thermophotovoltaic converter (TPV). One of the system’s challenges is the flow of undesirable excess thermal energy from the cathode to the anode that might cause the PV cell to overheat. This work investigates the possibility of integrating this technology into a hybrid thermionic-photovoltaic (TIPV) converter operating at ultra-high temperatures (>1000 °C) without any risk of collector’s overheating, which might lead to its mechanical failure. A steady-state 3-D CFD model was developed in Fluent v17.1 solver to assess the system’s thermal behavior when the two electrodes were separated by a distance of 8–10 μm. The heat transfer through conduction across the system components and the net photon/electron flux between the two electrodes were simulated. Different cathode temperatures within the range of 1500–2500 K and various DMS shapes (capillary, cylindrical), patterns (e.g., ring-shaped) and sizes were studied. Results show that thermal performance is not affected by the DMS pattern, even for thermal conductivities of 80 W/(m·K), whereas the possibility of mechanical failure is considerable for T_cathode > 2000 K. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Technology and Sustainable Energy Systems)

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13 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Real-Scale Study on Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction from Dairy Liquid Manure with the Commercial Additive SOP LAGOON

by Marcello Ermido Chiodini, Michele Costantini, Michele Zoli, Jacopo Bacenetti, Daniele Aspesi, Lorenzo Poggianella and Marco Acutis

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1803; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031803 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

Reducing methane (CH₄) is a key objective to address climate change quickly. Manure management and storage play a significant role. In this context, a real-scale trial was performed to measure the ability of the commercial additive SOP LAGOON to reduce carbon-based [...] Read more.

Reducing methane (CH₄) is a key objective to address climate change quickly. Manure management and storage play a significant role. In this context, a real-scale trial was performed to measure the ability of the commercial additive SOP LAGOON to reduce carbon-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from liquid manure over approximately 4 months. Gas emissions were measured at a commercial dairy farm from two slurry tanks, one treated with the abovementioned product (SL) and the other used as the untreated control (UNT). After 3 and 4 months from the first additive applications, the SL storage tank showed lower and statistically significantly different emissions concerning the UNT (up to −80% for CH₄ and −75% for CO₂, p < 0.001), confirming and showing improved results from those reported in the previous small-scale works. The pH of the UNT tank was lower than that of the SL on two dates, while the other chemical characteristics of the slurry were not affected. In this work, SOP LAGOON proved to be an effective additive to help the farmers mitigate the contribution of stored liquid manure to global CH₄ emissions, potentially improving the overall sustainability of the dairy industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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24 pages, 4996 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing Shock Propagation and Cascading Uncertainties Using the Input–Output Framework: Analysis of an Oil Refinery Accident in Singapore

by Pradeep V. Mandapaka and Edmond Y. M. Lo

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021739 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1539

Abstract

The impacts of shock events frequently cascade beyond the primarily affected sector(s), through the interdependent economic system, and result in higher-order indirect losses in other sectors. This study employed the inoperability input–output model (IIM) and the dynamic IIM (DIIM) to model recovery of [...] Read more.

The impacts of shock events frequently cascade beyond the primarily affected sector(s), through the interdependent economic system, and result in higher-order indirect losses in other sectors. This study employed the inoperability input–output model (IIM) and the dynamic IIM (DIIM) to model recovery of sectors after a shock event and quantify associated total losses. Considering data limitations and uncertainties regarding sectoral recovery time, a key variable in DIIM, a probabilistic approach is used for modelling uncertainty in recovery times. The event analyzed is the 2011 oil refinery fire accident in Pulau Bukom (PB) island, Singapore, which caused the refinery to shut down for 11 days and be partially operational for several days thereafter. The impacts are assessed using the regrouped 15-sector Singapore IO data of year 2010, with manufacturing sector as the directly affected sector. The initial economic impact of the PB refinery fire is assessed in the top-down framework using the refinery’s contribution to the manufacturing sector and nation’s GDP. The higher-order losses are quantified considering different recovery paths for the directly affected sector and accounting for its inventory. Simulation experiments using synthetic IO tables are also carried out to understand relationship between recovery characteristics of directly and indirectly affected sectors. The results from IIM analysis show that the indirect losses are about 35–38% of direct losses. The DIIM analysis reveal that the utilities sectors (e.g., electricity, water supply and treatment) suffer the largest inoperability among indirectly affected sectors for a given direct damage to the manufacturing sector. The results also illustrate the dependence of overall losses on the recovery path of the directly affected sector, and associated uncertainties in sectoral recovery times. Full article

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30 pages, 756 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Meta-Analysis as Early Evidence on the Particulate Emissions Impact of EURO VI on Battery Electric Bus Fleet Transitions

by Jon Tivey, Huw C. Davies, James G. Levine, Josias Zietsman, Suzanne Bartington, Sergio Ibarra-Espinosa and Karl Ropkins

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021522 - 12 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1807

Abstract

The current generation of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) policies are designed to accelerate the transition away from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicle fleets. However, the current focus on zero exhaust emissions and the lack of more detailed guidance regarding [...] Read more.

The current generation of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) policies are designed to accelerate the transition away from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicle fleets. However, the current focus on zero exhaust emissions and the lack of more detailed guidance regarding Non-Exhaust Emissions (NEEs) may mean that some of the trade-offs in transitioning to, e.g., Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) fleets may be missed by many in the commercial sector. Here, as part of early work on the scoping of the First Bus EURO VI Diesel Vehicle (E6DV) to BEV fleet upgrades, we estimate E6DV total particulate emissions to be ca. 62–85 and 164–213 mg.veh

^{- 1}

.km

^{- 1}

for

P M_{2.5}

and

P M_{10}

, respectively, and that the majority, typically 93–97%, are NEEs. We also discuss the complex interaction between E6DV/BEV properties and estimate potential changes resulting from the transition to BEVs as ranging from a decrease of ca. 2–12% to an increase of ca. 12–50% depending on a combination of weight difference, regenerative brake performance and journey type. Finally, we propose metrics that would allow fleet operators more insight into a wider range of emission outcomes at the scoping stage of a fleet upgrade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimising Air Quality and Health Benefits of Transport Decarbonisation)

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17 pages, 1269 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Treatment of Domestic Wastewater in Small-Scale Sand Filters Fortified with Gypsum, Biotite, and Peat

by Kati Martikainen, Anna-Maria Veijalainen, Eila Torvinen and Helvi Heinonen-Tanski

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021351 - 11 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2013

Abstract

Sand filtration is a low-cost and easy solution for household wastewater treatment in areas lacking a centralized sewage system. However, there are only a few studies about the treatment efficiencies of nutrients and enteric microorganisms and their removal or filter mass reuse potential. [...] Read more.

Sand filtration is a low-cost and easy solution for household wastewater treatment in areas lacking a centralized sewage system. However, there are only a few studies about the treatment efficiencies of nutrients and enteric microorganisms and their removal or filter mass reuse potential. Sand columns with different phosphorus adsorbents, gypsum, biotite, and peat were tested in laboratory-scale filters at 4 °C to assess their performance in variable conditions and their possibility to increase the efficiency of sand filters. The columns were fed with real municipal wastewater with variable wastewater flow and phosphate load at different stages of the experiments. Phosphate and total nitrogen concentrations were low in the effluent of all columns, and they were mostly rather similar. Waste gypsum was found to greatly increase the conductivity of the effluent. The numbers of enteric microorganisms in the effluents were low, and the used filter masses achieved good hygienic quality after the tests. Phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate concentrations were low in the used masses, evidently since the columns had operated only for 21–30 weeks. Sand filtration proved to be an effective method for wastewater treatment, but changing conditions should be considered when designing these filters. The masses have reuse potential as soil improvement. Full article

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27 pages, 2532 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Adaptation after Extreme Flooding Events: Moving or Staying? The Case of the Ahr Valley in Germany

by Alessa Jasmin Truedinger, Ali Jamshed, Holger Sauter and Joern Birkmann

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021407 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3049

Abstract

More than 130 lives were lost in the 2021 heavy precipitation and flood event in the Ahr Valley, Germany, where large parts of the valley were destroyed. Afterwards, public funding of about 15 billion Euros has been made available for reconstruction. However, with [...] Read more.

More than 130 lives were lost in the 2021 heavy precipitation and flood event in the Ahr Valley, Germany, where large parts of the valley were destroyed. Afterwards, public funding of about 15 billion Euros has been made available for reconstruction. However, with people and settlements being in highly exposed zones, the core question that is not sufficiently addressed is whether affected people want to rebuild in the same place, or rather opt to move out. The paper explores this question and assesses motivations and reasons for moving or staying in the Ahr Valley. For this purpose, a household survey was conducted focusing on 516 flood-affected households. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the ownership of the house or flat significantly influenced the decision of whether to stay or to leave. In addition, an attachment to the place and the belief that such extreme events occur very rarely influenced the decision to stay and rebuild. Age, gender and household income barely influenced the decision to stay or to move to a new place. Interestingly, results demonstrated that many respondents view settlement retreat and the relocation of critical infrastructures as important options to reduce risk, however, many still rebuild in the same place. These insights enable local policy and practice to better address the needs of the population in terms of whether to stay or move after such an extreme disaster. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Climate Change, Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction–Planning Perspectives)

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22 pages, 2688 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integration of Energy Simulations and Life Cycle Assessment in Building Refurbishment: An Affordability Comparison of Thermal Insulation Materials through a New Sustainability Index

by Flavio Scrucca and Domenico Palladino

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021412 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3410

Abstract

Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction have become two of the most important issues to address in fighting climate change. Focused strategies have been implemented aiming at reducing the energy consumption of buildings since it is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, but [...] Read more.

Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction have become two of the most important issues to address in fighting climate change. Focused strategies have been implemented aiming at reducing the energy consumption of buildings since it is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, but they are mainly concerned with energy reduction without considering their environmental impact. The present work therefore aims at assessing the energy and environmental impacts of the use of insulation materials for building envelope refurbishment as the thermal coating. Reference buildings were used to perform energy simulations in representative cities of Italy and energy and environmental impacts of the most common and sustainable insulation materials were thus evaluated. Relevant outcomes have been focused on defining a new Economic and Environmental Sustainability Index (EESI) capable of considering both economic and environmental aspects; particularly, sustainable materials (such as cellulose fiber) can have the same affordability as traditional ones (such as polystyrene foam slab, glass wool, or stone wool) if environmental impact is also taken into account, despite their higher cost. However, according to EESI, the affordability of traditional insulation materials remains evident in the warmest climatic zones because of the lower energy needs of buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction of Green Building and Energy Assessment Using a Life Cycle Approach)

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20 pages, 3664 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Use of Environmental Product Declarations of Construction Products as a Data Source to Conduct a Building Life-Cycle Assessment in Spain

by Bernardette Soust-Verdaguer, Elisabetta Palumbo, Carmen Llatas, Álvaro Velasco Acevedo, María Dolores Fernández Galvéz, Endrit Hoxha and Alexander Passer

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021284 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

The Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) method and the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) each play a crucial role in reducing buildings’ embodied environmental impacts. EPDs provide the validated and geographically representative data necessary to conduct an LCA. However, the development of EPDs in the European [...] Read more.

The Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) method and the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) each play a crucial role in reducing buildings’ embodied environmental impacts. EPDs provide the validated and geographically representative data necessary to conduct an LCA. However, the development of EPDs in the European context is still irregular. Countries such as Germany and France have many EPDs for construction products, while other countries, such as Spain, have a limited number of EPDs and more than one operator programme, which is pointed out in the literature as a possible limiting factor for comparing results. This study aimed to examine the use of construction product EPDs manufactured in Spain, to then use as a data source to conduct a building LCA. We analysed the comparability of the results among the different EPD programmes and investigated to what extent the use of Spainߣs geographically representative construction product EPDs can contribute to conducting a building LCA, including all the materials and products that compose a building, and covering all the building life-cycle stages (product, construction, use, and end-of-life). The results showed that plasterboard and thermal insulation products have the highest numbers of EPDs in different EPD programmes. The case study analysis showed that 20% of the construction products that compose a building can potentially use these EPDs as a data source to conduct a building LCA, and 89% of those product categories include at least the product, use, or end-of-life stage modules. Finally, recommendations and challenges to improve LCA development in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industries were included. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction of Green Building and Energy Assessment Using a Life Cycle Approach)

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18 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Land Use Indicators in the Context of Land Use Efficiency

by Barbara Kalisz, Krystyna Żuk-Gołaszewska, Wioleta Radawiec and Janusz Gołaszewski

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021106 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2667

Abstract

In recent decades, the land use changes induced by various economic activities in agricultural ecosystems have affected many aspects of human life. This is the reason why land use change is considered as one of the agriculture-related environmental impacts in a sustainability assessment [...] Read more.

In recent decades, the land use changes induced by various economic activities in agricultural ecosystems have affected many aspects of human life. This is the reason why land use change is considered as one of the agriculture-related environmental impacts in a sustainability assessment of food and bio-based products. At the same time, the methodology applied for the quantification of land use change effects is still under intensive research, stimulating scientific discussions. The overall objective of this paper is to fill the gap in knowledge of responsible and sustainable land use management. Specifically, the research provides a comprehensive set of land use change indicators in the context of land use change and land use efficiency. The indicators can be measured based on publicly available databases with the applicability to agricultural sustainability assessment of land use change on a local, regional and global scale. The high share of artificial land and dominant agricultural use of land with low land use intensity were noted in Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Slovenia, Cyprus, Croatia, Finland, Germany, and United Kingdom. However, land use efficiency was also low. In turn, heterogeneous land cover (but less artificial areas than in other EU countries) and heterogeneous land uses with diverse land use intensity were noted in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. The challenge in future research could be aggregation of different indicators in assessing the similarity of land use between countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Relationship between Urban Greening, Agriculture and Soil Quality)

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12 pages, 1753 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integrating Field Data and a Modeling Approach to Inform Optimum Planting Date × Maturity Group for Soybeans under Current and Future Weather Conditions in Kansas

by Emmanuela van Versendaal, Ana J. P. Carcedo, Eric Adee, Gretchen Sassenrath, Scott Dooley, Jane Lingenfelser and Ignacio A. Ciampitti

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021081 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1448

Abstract

Optimizing planting date by maturity group (PD × MG) is critical to increase productivity and reduce production risks. Understanding the effect of management, not only under current, but also future weather conditions, is even more relevant for developing effective mitigation strategies. This paper [...] Read more.

Optimizing planting date by maturity group (PD × MG) is critical to increase productivity and reduce production risks. Understanding the effect of management, not only under current, but also future weather conditions, is even more relevant for developing effective mitigation strategies. This paper provides an analysis of the optimum combinations of soybean PD × MG management in the central-eastern region of Kansas (United States) for both current and future weather conditions. Three geographical clusters illustrating the main environmental and management characteristics were defined within the central-eastern region of Kansas. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator platform was employed to explore PD × MG combinations (PD from mid-April to mid-July; MG from III to VI) comparing current (2011–2021) and future (2042–2052) weather conditions. Overall, early planting dates produce greater yields, but reduce their stability over time (with a 15% increase in yield variation relative to late planting) across the clusters. Late planting dates resulted in a reduction close to 27% for soybean yields relative to those obtained by planting at early dates under current weather conditions. Furthermore, longer maturity groups (IV, V, and VI) resulted in a reduced yield penalty when planting time was delayed under the current weather conditions. However, this combination did not always represent the strategy that maximized yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Sustainable Agriculture)

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12 pages, 2480 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Pro-Environmental Viticulture: Status Quo and Perspectives from Prosecco Winegrowers in Italy

by Elisa Giampietri and Samuele Trestini

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021073 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1206

Abstract

In the last few decades, criticisms arose in society over sustainability in viticulture, due particularly to environmental and health concerns about pesticide use. The presence of social conflicts is well documented in some renowned wine areas as the Bourgogne in France and the [...] Read more.

In the last few decades, criticisms arose in society over sustainability in viticulture, due particularly to environmental and health concerns about pesticide use. The presence of social conflicts is well documented in some renowned wine areas as the Bourgogne in France and the Prosecco in Italy. As a novel contribution, this paper provides empirical insights into winegrowers’ commitment and will and related motivations towards environmental sustainability in the Prosecco Hills area, where social conflicts are well documented around this relevant facet, but little is known on the part of producers. This study aims to explore the pro-environmental behavioral intention of Prosecco winegrowers, focusing on its behavioral determinants, namely knowledge, responsibility, and self-identity. Data collection was held from August to December 2021 through a structured online questionnaire sent to Prosecco winegrowers. We obtained 87 completed questionnaires and data were analyzed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation modeling using SmartPLS software. The results suggest that, on average, winegrowers in our sample show a high pro-environmental behavioral intention. Moreover, the results associate a higher intention to adopt pro-environmental behavior and a higher responsibility towards sustainable viticulture with winegrowers’ having a good knowledge of farming practices beneficial for the environment. Moreover, winegrowers who feel more responsible for acting sustainability towards the environmental in the area and those who view themselves as pro-environmental farmers intend to farm more sustainably. Our results have implications to support the design of locally adapted strategies and policies aimed at improving the diffusion of more sustainable farming practices and resolving local conflicts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Agriculture Economics: A Perspective of Sustainability)

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24 pages, 8221 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Practical Green Infrastructure Intervention to Mitigate Air Pollution in a UK School Playground

by María del Carmen Redondo Bermúdez, Rohit Chakraborty, Ross W. Cameron, Beverley J. Inkson and Maria Val Martin

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021075 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3582

Abstract

Air pollution severely compromises children’s health and development, causing physical and mental implications. We have explored the use of site-specific green infrastructure (green barriers) in a school playground in Sheffield, UK, as an air-pollution-mitigation measure to improve children’s environment. The study assessed air [...] Read more.

Air pollution severely compromises children’s health and development, causing physical and mental implications. We have explored the use of site-specific green infrastructure (green barriers) in a school playground in Sheffield, UK, as an air-pollution-mitigation measure to improve children’s environment. The study assessed air quality pre-post intervention and compared it with two control sites. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter <2.5 µm in size (PM_2.5) concentration change was assessed via three methods: (1) continuous monitoring with fixed devices (de-seasonalised); (2) monthly monitoring with diffusion tubes (spatial analysis); (3) intermittent monitoring with a mobile device at children’s height (spatial analysis). De-seasonalised results indicate a reduction of 13% for NO₂ and of 2% for PM_2.5 in the school playground after two years of plant establishment. Further reductions in NO₂ levels (25%) were observed during an exceptionally low mobility period (first COVID-19 lockdown); this is contrary to PM_2.5 levels, which increased. Additionally, particles captured by a green barrier plant, Hedera helix ‘Woerner’, were observed and analysed using SEM/EDX techniques. Particle elemental analysis suggested natural and potential anthropogenic origins, potentially signalling vehicle traffic. Overall, green barriers are a valid complementary tool to improve school air quality, with quantifiable and significant air pollution changes even in our space-constrained site. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Green Infrastructures on Air Quality in Urban Spaces)

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18 pages, 8895 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of the Relationship between the Low-Temperature Properties and Distillation Profiles of HEFA-Processed Bio-Jet Fuel

by Hwayeon Jeon, Jo Yong Park, Mirae Ok, Gi Bo Han, Jae Woo Lee and Jae-Kon Kim

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010799 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mandate on jet fuel requires a gradual reduction in the fuel’s GHG emissions, up to 50%, by 2050. For this reason, the demand for bio-jet fuel blended with conventional petroleum-derived jet fuel will increase. In order to meet [...] Read more.

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mandate on jet fuel requires a gradual reduction in the fuel’s GHG emissions, up to 50%, by 2050. For this reason, the demand for bio-jet fuel blended with conventional petroleum-derived jet fuel will increase. In order to meet the quality requirement of blended fuels (ASTM D7566), modeling that can predict the correlation between properties is required. Our aim was to predict the low-temperature properties using the distillation profile results obtained from Simulated Distillation (SIMDIS) according to the carbon number and chemical compositions of bio-jet fuel through correlation and regression analysis. We used hydroprocessed ester and fatty acid (HEFA) bio-jet fuel and hydrocarbon reagents that included C₈, C₁₀, and C₁₂ carbons and five main families of hydrocarbons for blended jet fuel. This study shows an overall trend for each component, indicating that the distilled volume fraction is more affected than the carbon number. In the case of the freezing point, by composition, n-paraffin and naphthene have regression coefficients of more than 0.85 for the 50% and 60% recovery temperatures, respectively. In terms of carbon number, the C₈ sample has a significant regression coefficient for the 40% recovery temperature, and C₁₀ has a significant regression coefficient for the initial boiling point (IBP) and 10% recovery temperature. In the case of kinematic viscosity, by composition, the regression coefficient is significant for the 20% to 40% recovery temperatures. For naphthene, the kinematic viscosity exhibited no relationship with carbon number. This information can be utilized to determine the blended ratio of bio-jet fuel and conventional jet fuel in newly certified or commercial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Aviation)

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17 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fishmeal Replacement by Full-Fat and Defatted Hermetia illucens Prepupae Meal in the Diet of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

by Ioannis T. Karapanagiotidis, Marina C. Neofytou, Adamantia Asimaki, Evanthia Daskalopoulou, Pier Psofakis, Eleni Mente, Christos I. Rumbos and Christos G. Athanassiou

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010786 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2378

Abstract

Insect proteins are considered as suitable low environmental impact alternatives to fishmeal for sustainable aquafeeds. Among the different insect species, Hermetia illucens has attracted research and industrial interest due to its ability to grow well on organic side streams, its high protein content [...] Read more.

Insect proteins are considered as suitable low environmental impact alternatives to fishmeal for sustainable aquafeeds. Among the different insect species, Hermetia illucens has attracted research and industrial interest due to its ability to grow well on organic side streams, its high protein content and favorable amino acid profiles. Its lipid content although high is characterized by a lack of EPA and DHA that are essential to fish nutrition and thus a defatted form of Hermetia meal might be of better use in fish diets. Hence, two feeding trials were conducted to investigate the effects of the partial fishmeal replacement by increasing levels of a full-fat (up to 276 g/kg) and a defatted (up to 174 g/kg) H. illucens meal on feed intake, growth, feed utilization and nutrient compositions of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Results showed that both the fat content and the inclusion level of H. illucens meal are critical for the success of fishmeal replacement in the diets of S. aurata as they strongly affect feed consumption. A lower palatability of H. illucens meal was observed when included at high dietary levels with the defatted form being more readily accepted by fish. The defatted H. illucens meal is more suitable than the full-fat type to replace fishmeal, with a dietary level of about 81–104 g/kg supporting the highest feed consumption, the highest growth, an unaffected proximate composition and a better feed utilization by S. aurata. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Insect Farming: Feed the Future)

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26 pages, 12697 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

FVM-RANS Modeling of Air Pollutants Dispersion and Traffic Emission in Dhaka City on a Suburb Scale

by Md. Eabad Ali, Md Farhad Hasan, Sadia Siddiqa, Md. Mamun Molla and Most. Nasrin Akhter

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010673 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2190

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the impact of air pollutants dispersion from traffic emission under the influence of wind velocity and direction considering the seasonal cycle in two major areas of Dhaka city: namely, Tejgaon and Gazipur. Carbon monoxide (CO) mass fraction [...] Read more.

The present study aims to investigate the impact of air pollutants dispersion from traffic emission under the influence of wind velocity and direction considering the seasonal cycle in two major areas of Dhaka city: namely, Tejgaon and Gazipur. Carbon monoxide (CO) mass fraction has been considered as a representative element of traffic-exhausted pollutants, and the distribution of pollutants has been investigated in five different street geometries: namely, single regular and irregular, double regular and irregular, and finally, multiple irregular streets. After the grid independence test confirmation as well as numerical validation, a series of case studies has been presented to analyze the air pollutants dispersion, which mostly exists due to the traffic emission. The popular Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach has been considered, and the finite volume method (FVM) has been applied by ANSYS Fluent^TM. The

k - ϵ

turbulence model has been integrated from the RANS approach. It was found that the wind velocity as well as wind direction and the fluid flow fields can play a potential role on pollution dispersion in the Dhaka city street canyons and suburbs. Inhabitants residing near the single regular streets are exposed to more traffic emission than those of single irregular streets due to fewer obstacles being created by the buildings. Double regular streets have been found to be a better solution to disperse pollutants, but city dwellers in the east region of double irregular streets are exposed to a greater concentration of pollutants due to the change of wind directions and seasonal cycles. Multiple irregular streets limit the mobility of the pollutants due to the increased number of buildings, yet the inhabitants near the multi-irregular streets are likely to experience approximately

11.25 %

more pollutants than other dwellers living far from the main street. The key findings of this study will provide insights on improving the urbanization plan where different geometries of streets are present and city dwellers could have less exposure to traffic-exhausted pollutants. The case studies will also provide a template layout to map pollutant exposure to identify the alarming zone and stop incessant building construction within those regions by creating real-time air quality monitoring to safeguard public safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Urban Health and Livable Cities: The Control and Management of Traffic-Related Air Pollution)

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17 pages, 9822 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Development of a 1D/2D Urban Flood Model Using the Open-Source Models SWMM and MOHID Land

by João Barreiro, Flávio Santos, Filipa Ferreira, Ramiro Neves and José S. Matos

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010707 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

Urban pluvial floods are the outcome of the incapacity of drainage systems to convey the runoff generated by intense rainfall events. Cities have been struggling to control such hazards due to several pressures, such as urbanization increase, more frequent experiences of extreme rainfall [...] Read more.

Urban pluvial floods are the outcome of the incapacity of drainage systems to convey the runoff generated by intense rainfall events. Cities have been struggling to control such hazards due to several pressures, such as urbanization increase, more frequent experiences of extreme rainfall events, and increases in tide levels. Such pressures demand the study of adaptation strategies, which conventional one-dimensional drainage models fall short of simulating. Thus, 1D/2D models have been emerging with the aim of allowing better integration of key processes for flood modeling, namely, runoff interception by stormwater inlet devices and manhole overflows. The current paper presents a 1D/2D urban flood model based on an offline coupling procedure between the 1D model SWMM and the 2D model MOHID Land. The SWMM/Land model is applied to a synthetic street case study and to a real case study in downtown Albufeira, Portugal. The results obtained for the real case study are coherent with local observations of past flooding events, and the model shows potential for better decision-making regarding urban flood risk management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Drainage, Wastewater Treatment and Pollution Control)

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22 pages, 2890 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Framework to Facilitate Advanced Mixed Methods Studies for Investigating Interventions in Road Space for Cycling

by Christian Werner, Elisabeth Füssl, Jannik Rieß, Bernd Resch, Florian Kratochwil and Martin Loidl

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010622 - 29 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2546

Abstract

Cycling mobility contributes to better livability in cites, helps societies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their dependency on fossil fuels, and shows positive health effects. However, unattractive conditions, primarily inadequate infrastructure, hinder the further growth of cycling mobility. As interactions of cyclists [...] Read more.

Cycling mobility contributes to better livability in cites, helps societies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their dependency on fossil fuels, and shows positive health effects. However, unattractive conditions, primarily inadequate infrastructure, hinder the further growth of cycling mobility. As interactions of cyclists with the (built) environment are complex, assessing potential impacts of an intervention aimed at improving physical conditions is not trivial. Despite a growing body of literature on various facets of cycling mobility, assessments are widely limited to a single method and thereby either focus on one detailed aspect or on one perspective. While multi-method and mixed methods studies are emerging, they are not embedded into a structured, integrated framework for assessing systemic effects of interventions yet. Therefore, we propose a conceptual integration of several relevant methods such as questionnaires, interviews, GIS analyses and human sensing. In this paper, we present a generic, extensible framework that offers guidance for developing and implementing case-specific mixed methods designs for multifaceted assessments of interventions. The framework supports domain experts and researchers across different stages of conducting a study. Results from this research further indicate the added value of mixed methods studies compared to single-method approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation Planning and Urban Sustainability)

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18 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Small-Town Citizens’ Technology Acceptance of Smart and Sustainable City Development

by Giovanni Baldi, Antonietta Megaro and Luca Carrubbo

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010325 - 25 Dec 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3451

Abstract

Citizens are an essential part of the process of smartification and sustainable development of cities as they must adopt, understand and interact with the enabling technologies of digital transformation of societies, cities, and public administration. Therefore, technology acceptance is crucial to creating smart [...] Read more.

Citizens are an essential part of the process of smartification and sustainable development of cities as they must adopt, understand and interact with the enabling technologies of digital transformation of societies, cities, and public administration. Therefore, technology acceptance is crucial to creating smart and citizen-centered cities. This is even more challenging in small towns that suffer from an aging population, desertification, lack of infrastructure, and especially the digital divide. The purpose of this research is to investigate the adoption of an Urban Services Technology (UST) in tourism management within a tourism-oriented small town in Southern Italy. A questionnaire was then constructed according to the 12-variable Urban Service Technology Acceptance Model (USTAM), and 216 responses were obtained from a defined group of 1076 subjects. Analyzing the data with a quantitative approach by conducting Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the assumptions of the initial model were all rejected and new five factors emerged. The path diagram shows that only the factors Sustainability, Ease and Value have a positive correlation with technology adoption. Future research might investigate the mediating role of socio-demographic variables on technology acceptance by considering geographical and cultural diversity among small towns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Smart City)

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15 pages, 2111 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigating the Relationship between Climate and Hospital Admissions for Respiratory Diseases before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

by Eduardo L. Krüger and Anderson Spohr Nedel

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010288 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1629

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze meteorological variables versus hospital admissions for respiratory diseases for the age groups of children under five and the elderly (over 65 years of age) in different climate regions of Brazil, for the years 2018 and 2020, i.e., before [...] Read more.

This study aimed to analyze meteorological variables versus hospital admissions for respiratory diseases for the age groups of children under five and the elderly (over 65 years of age) in different climate regions of Brazil, for the years 2018 and 2020, i.e., before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was, on one hand, to evaluate the influence of weather variables on respiratory disease in humans, and on the other hand, take into account two years with differing dynamics due to a worldwide pandemic that significantly changed people’s lifestyles. The human biometeorological index (Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) was used as representative of the integral association of meteorological variables. UTCI data were obtained from the ERA5-HEAT reanalysis database, which provides hourly grid data with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°. The Brazilian cities Manaus, Brasilia and Porto Alegre, which represent different climatic contexts in the country, were used in the analysis. The method compared temperature and climate reanalysis data to hospital admission data for respiratory diseases, obtained from the Brazilian Unified Health System database (DATASUS), according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10). Correlation analysis was performed between variables (hospital admissions versus climate-related data) in order to identify associations between them, also accounting for different time-lag effects. We analyzed seasonal influences on the obtained correlations, correlation strength and direct or inverse relationships. Results showed that the pandemic interfered in the association between morbidity due to respiratory illnesses and climate-related variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Climate and Health)

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17 pages, 36469 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Beyond the Smart or Resilient City: In Search of Sustainability in the Sojan Thirdspace

by Philip Cooke

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010145 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1232

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore some of the issues to be welcomed but also warned against in general and’ also specified from an illustrative sample of ‘smart’ projects that caused outcomes that were neither ‘smart’ nor ‘resilient’. These give pointers to a ‘thirdspace’ [...] Read more.

This paper seeks to explore some of the issues to be welcomed but also warned against in general and’ also specified from an illustrative sample of ‘smart’ projects that caused outcomes that were neither ‘smart’ nor ‘resilient’. These give pointers to a ‘thirdspace’ as a descriptor of ‘assemblage’, the most advanced application of sustainability thinking regarding relational spatial development planning. This contribution examines difficulties in delivering both ‘smart’ and ‘resilient’ responses of interest or value to citizens confronted with recurring crises that derive directly or with implications for sustainability issues. Identified are constraints and issues acting as obstacles to governance, management ‘layering’ and ‘learning’ causing failures of many weak or never-delivered projects. Critiques of static, or worse ‘magical’ thinking are increasingly invoked in consequence. In the analysis of ‘live cases’ all these problems showed up ‘in real life’. The author was pleased that his mentor, the late UCLA planning theorist Ed Soja’s application of the idea of ‘Thirdspace’ received prescient vindication from the results of this adjudication. Full article

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

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13 pages, 2929 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Bicycle Accessibility GIS Analysis for Bike Master Planning with a Consideration of Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) and Energy Consumption

by Devin McNally, Rachel Tillinghast and Hiroyuki Iseki

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010042 - 20 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2182

Abstract

Measuring the impact of bicycle infrastructure and other mobility improvements has been a challenge in the practice of transportation planning. Transportation planners are increasingly required to conduct complex analyses to provide supporting evidence for proposed plans and communicate well with both decision makers [...] Read more.

Measuring the impact of bicycle infrastructure and other mobility improvements has been a challenge in the practice of transportation planning. Transportation planners are increasingly required to conduct complex analyses to provide supporting evidence for proposed plans and communicate well with both decision makers and the public. Cyclists experience two important factors on roads: (a) travel stress related to the built environment along with the traffic conditions and (b) changes in physical burden due to topography. This study develops a method that integrates an energy consumption calculation and “bicycling stress” score to take into account external conditions that influence cyclists substantially. In this method, the level of traffic stress (LTS) is used to select street segments appropriate for different comfort levels among cyclists and is combined with biking energy consumption, in addition to distance, which is used as travel impedance to consider the effects of slopes and street intersections. The integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis methods are used to evaluate bicycle infrastructure improvements in the coming years in Montgomery County, MD, USA. The analysis results demonstrated that the infrastructure improvements in the county’s bike master plan are well-targeted to improve bicycling accessibility. Furthermore, the use of energy as opposed to distance to generate bikeshed areas results in smaller bikesheds compared to distance-generated bikesheds. The method presented herein allows planners to characterize and quantify the impact of bicycle infrastructure and prioritize locations for improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Urban Mobility)

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24 pages, 10469 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impacts of Urbanization on Drainage System Health and Sustainable Drainage Recommendations for Future Scenarios—A Small City Case in China

by Tianqi Zhang, Yue Zhou, Ming Li, Haoran Zhang, Tong Wang and Yu Tian

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16998; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416998 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

China is urbanizing at an unprecedented rate, but also accelerating the use of water resources and overloading of urban drainage systems. To analyze the impact of urbanization on the drainage-system health in Jinxi, a typical small case area in China, this study proposed [...] Read more.

China is urbanizing at an unprecedented rate, but also accelerating the use of water resources and overloading of urban drainage systems. To analyze the impact of urbanization on the drainage-system health in Jinxi, a typical small case area in China, this study proposed an innovative methodological framework for evaluation and prediction based on statistical and modeling methods, which provides a demonstration and reference for urban development and drainage-system construction in developing countries. The result shows that the comprehensive urbanization index (CUI) of Jinxi shows an overall upward trend between 2009 and 2020. The drainage-system health index (DHI) shows a U-shaped trend of decreasing and then increasing, with the threshold in 2016. The years when the DHI and CUI are in balanced development occurred in 2014 and 2018. The impact of urbanization on the drainage-system health is divided into positive and negative aspects, depending on the drainage demands of the urban development. According to the predicted results, it is suggested that the next drainage upgrading measures will be favorable for sustainable urban development when the urbanization rate reaches 60%, the gross industrial output increases by 10%, or the total retail sales of consumer goods increase by 40%. Full article

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

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15 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Island Communities and Fishing Villages in South Korea: Challenges, Opportunities and Limitations

by Sun-Kee Hong and Adam Grydehøj

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16657; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416657 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3230

Abstract

Island communities and fishing villages in South Korea have been affected by changes in policy and environmental conditions. This paper presents an overview of and potential solutions to sustainability challenges confronting Korea’s island communities and fishing villages. The paper is grounded in a [...] Read more.

Island communities and fishing villages in South Korea have been affected by changes in policy and environmental conditions. This paper presents an overview of and potential solutions to sustainability challenges confronting Korea’s island communities and fishing villages. The paper is grounded in a review of the relevant Korean and international research literature. The paper identifies the following major challenges: climate change, overexploitation of and damage to marine resources, and sociocultural challenges. The paper recommends an integrated approach to sustainable development that involves building a cooperative system with the Korea Island Development Institute, focus on ‘livable islands’, encouraging in-migration to islands, improving island accessibility, and identifying and assessing island ecosystem services. The paper concludes that it is necessary to develop an integrated approach driven by institutional, policy, technological, and sociocultural innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Adaptability of Cities to Climate Change)

15 pages, 1365 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Well-Being and Geography: Modelling Differences in Regional Well-Being Profiles in Case of Spatial Dependence—Evidence from Turkey

by Zeynep Elburz, Karima Kourtit and Peter Nijkamp

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16370; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416370 - 07 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1291

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a new quantitative perspective on the geography of well-being using an urban–rural typology and characteristic city size elements in order to detect where people are happier and to examine the determinants of well-being by considering [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to provide a new quantitative perspective on the geography of well-being using an urban–rural typology and characteristic city size elements in order to detect where people are happier and to examine the determinants of well-being by considering spatial dependence effects. We use 81 NUTS 3 regions and the time period 2012–2019 to analyse the geography of well-being for Turkey with panel and spatial panel models. Our results show that living in an urban area, in general, makes people happy, but that density negatively affects well-being. In addition, city size matters for enhancing well-being. We also analyse the determinants of well-being by using several socio-economic well-being indicators. Next, the aspatial and spatial model results based on spatial econometric regressions show that education, health, employment, and income are all important for well-being, whereas indirect effects (spillovers) of these indicators also exist. Our results indicate that ignoring spatial effects causes a misinterpretation of the effects of critical determinants of well-being in geography. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Capital, Infrastructural Capital and Resilience Capacity in Urban Systems)

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27 pages, 6514 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Runners Experience Lower Heart Rate, Increased Speed, and Joy/Calm on Routes with Trees, by the Sea and through Parks: Implications for Climate Change Design

by Angeliki T. Paraskevopoulou, Marina Chletsou and Chrysovalantis Malesios

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16280; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316280 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1968

Abstract

The beneficial effects of green and blue areas on human wellbeing are significant. Physical activity is a crucial factor for the promotion of good human health and wellbeing, and running constitutes one of the most popular forms of outdoor physical activity. This study [...] Read more.

The beneficial effects of green and blue areas on human wellbeing are significant. Physical activity is a crucial factor for the promotion of good human health and wellbeing, and running constitutes one of the most popular forms of outdoor physical activity. This study examines the effect of six urban “route landscapes” with different landscape characters used for outdoor running on the heart rates and speeds of 30 people wearing a smartwatch while running. These routes included: (1) a running track in a stadium; (2) a road without street trees; (3) a road with street trees; (4) an urban park without sea view; (5) an urban park with sea view; and (6) a road by the sea. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to determine participants’ perceptions and preferred “route landscape” for running. In the study, higher heart rates were recorded on routes without trees, including the stadium. The lowest heart rate was recorded in the park by the sea, followed by the road by the sea, which were at the lowest altitudes amongst the routes studied. Additionally, the highest mean speed of participants was recorded during the run on the road by the sea. The results also showed that irrespectively of the routes, increases in altitude and gradient caused an increase in the heart rates. In the survey, the majority of respondents stated that they would have felt calm and joy during a run either in a park or in a park by the sea. With rising sea levels dictating not to build, carbon capture being necessary in parks, and trees by roads reducing the heat island effect, this study reveals the best “route landscapes” for runners’ health and global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Design Promoting Human Well-Being in Urban Areas)

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17 pages, 5060 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effectiveness of Road Cool Pavements, Greenery, and Canopies to Reduce the Urban Heat Island Effects

by Paolo Peluso, Giovanni Persichetti and Laura Moretti

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16027; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316027 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2503

Abstract

The ongoing climate change is manifesting itself through the increasing expansion of Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. This paper evaluates the microclimate benefits due to cool road pavements, greenery, and photovoltaic canopies in a parking lot in Fondi (Italy), identifying the best strategy [...] Read more.

The ongoing climate change is manifesting itself through the increasing expansion of Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. This paper evaluates the microclimate benefits due to cool road pavements, greenery, and photovoltaic canopies in a parking lot in Fondi (Italy), identifying the best strategy to counteract the negative effects of UHIs. The ENVI-met software allowed a microclimatic analysis of the examined area in July 2022 through the comparison of the thermal performances between the current asphalt pavement and ten alternative scenarios. The proposed layouts were investigated in terms of air temperature (AT), surface temperature (ST), mean radiant temperature (MRT), and predicted mean vote (PMV). The results showed that the existing asphalt pavement is the worst one, while the cool pavement integrated with vegetation provides appreciable benefits. Compared to the current layout, a new scenario characterized by light porous concrete for carriageable pavements and sidewalks, concrete grass grid pavers for parking stalls, a 2-m-high border hedge, and 15-m-high trees implies reductions of AT above 3 °C, ST above 30 °C, MRT above 20 °C, and a maximum PMV value equal to 2.2. Full article

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

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16 pages, 1293 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sustainable Transportation for Events: A Systematic Review

by Dario Ballarano, Sergio Maria Patella and Francesco Asdrubali

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315815 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2806

Abstract

Event business is constantly growing in frequency and size, attracting people from nearby areas and different countries as well. Transportation plays a key role in a successful event, especially for major ones, where the large number of participants requires ad hoc designing of [...] Read more.

Event business is constantly growing in frequency and size, attracting people from nearby areas and different countries as well. Transportation plays a key role in a successful event, especially for major ones, where the large number of participants requires ad hoc designing of event mobility and might include implementation of new infrastructures. In recent decades, environmental issues have emphasized event negative externalities, leading to the design of green events. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic literature review on studies investigating the sustainable practices related to event mobility. The methodology showcases a selection of 32 articles, which were classified according to their main contributions into five categories, for which gaps and trends were shown. Our findings indicate that there are not enough studies to draw conclusions about good practices that can be generalized to each kind of event. Additionally, strong limitations in the reviewed papers are the different contexts of the analysis and the lack of a validation through empirical data. The research presented in this paper adds a contribution to the sustainable event transportation literature reporting the most established models, methods, and interventions. In detail, the most promising interventions involve mass transit and demand-oriented services that rely on intelligent transportation systems and user information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Sustainable Transportation and Urban Traffic)

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15 pages, 1345 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Approach to Model the Willingness to Use of E-Scooter Sharing Services in Different Urban Road Environments

by Theodora Sorkou, Panagiotis G. Tzouras, Katerina Koliou, Lambros Mitropoulos, Christos Karolemeas and Konstantinos Kepaptsoglou

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15680; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315680 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2394

Abstract

E-scooter sharing services been grown exponentially within the last five years. They are based on the flexibility of accessing dense urban areas without specialized infrastructure. In modern cities, there are diverse road environments that impact the comfort, and therefore the attractiveness, of micro-mobility [...] Read more.

E-scooter sharing services been grown exponentially within the last five years. They are based on the flexibility of accessing dense urban areas without specialized infrastructure. In modern cities, there are diverse road environments that impact the comfort, and therefore the attractiveness, of micro-mobility services. This study aims to investigate the willingness to use e-scooter sharing services, while considering the road environment. To formulate area-specific pricing policies, a stated preferences experiment with 243 respondents, who can be considered as potential users, is conducted in Athens, Greece and a binary logistic regression model with random beta parameters is developed. The analysis of the model marginal effects indicates that the integration of bonus points into micro-mobility services, combined with the option of transferring these points to parking services, can compensate a non-friendly road environment, thus increasing the service demand. The existence of roads with good pavement conditions and wide sidewalks significantly increased the willingness of respondents to use e-scooter sharing services. Unexpectedly, pedestrianized zones in a buffer area of 2 km radius from the trip origin reinforce the attractiveness of shared e-scooters, while the contribution of bike lanes and traffic calming streets (or shared space) were proven to be insignificant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shared Space for Active Modes and Micromobility: Recent Trends, Methodologies and Policies)

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10 pages, 229 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hukou Reform and the “Luohu” of Rural Migrants in Urban China

by Ming Tian, Qingwen Xu, Zhigang Li and Yang Yu

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315683 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2446

Abstract

Along with a series of reforms of the household registration, or the hukou system, there has been a sustained call for its reforms to further integrate rural migrants into cities and sustain the national strategy of urbanization. Nevertheless, does hukou still matter? Is [...] Read more.

Along with a series of reforms of the household registration, or the hukou system, there has been a sustained call for its reforms to further integrate rural migrants into cities and sustain the national strategy of urbanization. Nevertheless, does hukou still matter? Is it still a major obstacle to the inclusive development of post-reform urban China? Recently, the effect of the hukou system and its reforms has become a debatable topic. To address the question, in this article, we examine the “luohu” of rural migrants, i.e., rural people who work and/or live in the city obtaining urban hukou, to evaluate the effects of hukou reforms. We argue, along with the improvement of China’s social security system in both urban and rural areas, as well as the increased rights of rural migrants in cities, that the gap between the “value” of urban and rural hukou is decreasing: the boundaries set between urban and rural territories have been diminished; meanwhile, the intentions of rural migrants to luohu in the city have declined. This dilemma indicates that the impact of hukou system per se is fading, which is closely linked to the reforms of other social policies such as welfare and pension systems. As such, to promote the integration of rural migrants in Chinese cities, the focus of China’s hukou reforms should shift from the registration system to more inclusive social policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Social Space and Sustainable Development)

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