This study examines the economics of wellbeing and environmental sustainability through the lens of the Happy Planet Index in Indonesian conservation zones. The research addresses the problem of how household-level behaviours and local institutions shape sustainable wellbeing, offering novelty by applying the Happy Planet Index at the micro scale of buffer villages. Using a mixed-methods approach combining household surveys, logistic regression, marginal effect analysis, and qualitative fieldwork, the study finds significant contrasts between Meru Betiri and Baluran. Waste management and access to green space increase the probability of achieving high wellbeing, while high meat consumption and reliance on motorised transport reduce it. Statistical validity is supported by robust model accuracy, while qualitative evidence highlights the role of social norms and community-based conservation. The findings conclude that sustainable wellbeing depends less on geography than on ecological behaviour, providing critical insights for conservation policy and local development strategies.
This article presents a comprehensive review of methods for the disposal and recycling of machine coolants, with a particular focus on ecological and technological perspectives. Coolants, essential in various industrial processes including metalworking, play a critical role in lubrication and heat dissipation. However, once spent, they become a source of significant environmental challenges due to contamination, the presence of machining oils, and the need to comply with strict environmental regulations. The article discusses the most commonly used coolant treatment technologies, such as vacuum evaporation, oil separation, regeneration, incineration, biological treatment, and chemical processing. The review emphasizes methods suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises, considering their economic efficiency, technological feasibility, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, emerging directions for future development are identified, including biotechnology and advanced membrane processes, which may contribute to more sustainable management of coolant waste.
This study aims to analyze the internal and external factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption of environmental management techniques in Saudi hotels and to assess the impact of these practices, technologies, and environmental management systems on advancing environmental protection and sustainability. Global economic, cultural, and technical developments are accelerating, making managing environmental deterioration and overuse of natural resources more difficult. The study also looks at how environmental management systems and technology may affect environmental conservation in the future. Data from 408 full-time employees of five-star hotels were analyzed using (PLS-SEM) to assess the effect of technologies on environmental protection initiatives. The results show that using technology integration promotes sustainability and catalyzes ecological conservation, with quantifiable benefits including cost savings and improved environmental outcomes. These programs have reduced pollution significantly, encouraged environmentally friendly economic practices, and lessened the depletion of natural resources over the past ten years. This study emphasizes technology's important role in advancing environmental sustainability. It offers a fresh viewpoint on how businesses may leverage digital advances to strengthen green activities and contribute to an environmentally friendly future.
18 grudnia 2024 roku zostało opublikowane w Dzienniku Urzędowym Unii Europejskiej Rozporządzenie Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2024/3110, które ustanawia zharmonizowane zasady dotyczące wprowadzania do obrotu wyrobów budowlanych na terenie Unii Europejskiej. Rozporządzenie 2024/3110 weszło w życie w zakresie kluczowych wymagań od dnia 7 stycznia 2025 roku (w pełnym brzmieniu stosowane będzie od dnia 8 stycznia 2026 r. poza art.92, który będzie stosowany dopiero od dnia 8 stycznia 2027 r.) i zastępuje wcześniejsze przepisy zawarte w Rozporządzeniu 305/2011. Rozporządzenie 2024/3110 na nowo reguluje: wymagania związane z oznakowaniem CE; zasady sporządzania deklaracji właściwości użytkowych i zgodności z uwzględnieniem zasadniczych charakterystyk środowiskowych, zasady opracowywania dokumentacji technicznej i towarzyszącej dla wyrobów budowlanych. Wprowadza nowe definicje, nowe wymagania dotyczące obiektów budowlanych związane z ich wpływem na środowisko zewnętrzne, rozszerza system oceny i weryfikacji, który łączy rygorystyczną ocenę techniczną z kompleksową analizą środowiskową, a także określa zasady funkcjonowania cyfrowego paszportu dla wyrobu budowlanego. Rozporządzenie 2024/3110 wytycza kierunek zmian na rynku wyrobów budowlanych w zakresie przede wszystkim dwóch obszarów, tj. cyfryzacji oraz zrównoważenia środowiskowego.
EN
On 18 December 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which establishes harmonized rules for the marketing of construction products within the European Union, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Regulation 2024/3110 entered into force with regard to key requirements from 7 January 2025 (in its full wording it will apply from 8 January 2026, except for Article 92, which will only apply from 8 January 2027) and replaces the previous provisions contained in Regulation 305/2011. Regulation 2024/3110 newly regulates: requirements related to CE marking; rules for preparing declarations of performance and conformity, taking into account essential environmental characteristics, and rules for preparing technical and accompanying documentation for construction products. It introduces new definitions, new requirements for construction works related to their impact on the external environment, expands the assessment and verification system, which combines rigorous technical assessment with comprehensive environmental analysis, and defines the rules for the functioning of a digital passport for construction products. Regulation 2024/3110 sets the direction for changes in the construction products market, primarily in two areas: digitization and environmental sustainability.
The study was conducted to determine the possibilities and advantages of introducing a generating complex based on renewable energy sources to increase the sustainability and energy efficiency of agricultural facilities. For this purpose, a model of a generating complex using renewable energy sources to meet the energy needs of agricultural facilities has been evaluated. The impact of the integration of the Bergey Excel 10 wind turbine, the NIBE F1155 geothermal installation, and the JA Solar JAM72S20-405/PR solar panels with the SolarEdge SE40K inverter on the energy systems of agricultural facilities was considered. The integration of solar panels and low-power wind turbines significantly reduced energy costs, achieving savings from 5,500 kWh to 180,000 kWh per year compared to conventional sources. During the evaluation of the effectiveness of the complex, it was revealed that the payback period for investments in such technologies makes them economically feasible. In addition, the findings showed that the productivity of agricultural facilities has increased due to improved working conditions and lower energy costs. An analysis of the environmental impact of the generating complex showed a reduction in the level of polluting CO2 emissions by 10–25 tonnes per year, which had a positive impact on the health of local ecosystems. The study also revealed that the introduction of renewable energy sources can be an incentive to create new jobs in the agricultural sector, which contributes to the economic development of the region.
PL
Badanie przeprowadzono w celu określenia możliwości i zalet wprowadzenia kompleksu wytwórczego opartego na odnawialnych źródłach energii w celu zwiększenia zrównoważonego rozwoju i efektywności energetycznej obiektów rolniczych. Zbadano wykorzystanie odnawialnych źródeł energii w rolnictwie. W tym celu oceniono model kompleksu wytwórczego wykorzystującego odnawialne źródła energii dla zaspokojenia potrzeb energetycznych obiektów rolniczych. Rozważono wpływ integracji turbiny wiatrowej Bergey Excel 10, instalacji geotermalnej NIBE F1155 oraz paneli słonecznych JA Solar JAM72S20-405/ PR z falownikiem SolarEdge SE40K na systemy energetyczne obiektów rolniczych. Integracja paneli słonecznych i turbin wiatrowych małej mocy znacznie obniżyła koszty energii, pozwalając na oszczędności od 5500 kWh do 180 000 kWh rocznie w porównaniu z konwencjonalnymi źródłami. Analiza wykazała, że wykorzystanie biomasy jako alternatywnego paliwa do ogrzewania i obsługi sprzętu rolniczego może nie tylko zmniejszyć emisję dwutlenku węgla, lecz także zapewnić bardziej zrównoważony system energetyczny. Podczas oceny efektywności kompleksu okazało się, że okres zwrotu inwestycji w takie technologie czyni je ekonomicznie wykonalnymi. Ponadto ustalenia wykazały, że produktywność obiektów rolniczych wzrosła dzięki poprawie warunków pracy i niższym kosztom energii. Uzyskane dane potwierdzają, że wykorzystanie odnawialnych źródeł energii w sektorze rolnym przyczynia się nie tylko do zwiększenia niezależności energetycznej, lecz także do poprawy ogólnej równowagi środowiskowej. Analiza wpływu kompleksu wytwórczego na środowisko wykazała zmniejszenie poziomu emisji zanieczyszczającego CO2 o 10–25 ton rocznie, co miało pozytywny wpływ na zdrowie lokalnych ekosystemów. Badanie wykazało również, że wprowadzenie odnawialnych źródeł energii może być zachętą do tworzenia nowych miejsc pracy w sektorze rolniczym, co przyczynia się do rozwoju gospodarczego regionu.
Ice rinks are highly energy-intensive facilities, and current trends in refrigeration engineering increasingly focus on the use of natural refrigerants to improve energy efficiency while complying with environmental and legal regulations. Among these solutions, ammonia (R717) and carbon dioxide (R744) are widely considered stateof-the-art options for large-scale ice rink applications. The aim of this study is to compare the energy efficiency of two refrigeration systems based on natural refrigerants: R717 and R744, designed to supply an ice rink compliant with International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) standards. The study sought to determine whether significant differences in energy performance and operating costs exist between the two systems under realistic operating conditions. The analysis included a detailed thermal load calculation of the ice rink, accounting for all major heat gains such as heat transfer from the hall to the ice slab, occupants, lighting, ventilation, and iceresurfacing machinery. Heat gains were divided into loads affecting the air and those directly impacting the ice surface. Thermal balance calculations were performed for two operating scenarios: steady-state rink operation and the ice-freezing process. Variable operating conditions, including changes in user occupancy and different usage scenarios (weekdays, weekends, and sporting events), were also considered. Two refrigeration configurations were analyzed: a transcritical CO2 system with Flash Gas Bypass and an ammonia system with a flooded evaporator. Energy performance was evaluated using EER and SEER indicators, along with annual electricity consumption. The results showed that the ammonia-based system achieved higher energy efficiency and lower annual electricity consumption compared to the CO2-based system, resulting in reduced operating costs. Conversely, the CO2 system offered superior operational safety due to the non-toxic and non-flammable nature of the refrigerant, which may be particularly advantageous in densely populated areas. The findings indicate that the selection of a refrigeration system for ice rinks should be based on investor priorities and sitespecific conditions. Ammonia systems are preferable where high efficiency and low operating costs are critical, while CO2 systems are more suitable where maximum safety is required. For the analyzed ice rink, located away from residential areas, the ammonia system proved to be the more economically favorable solution. The results may support future refrigeration system designs and suggest that further efficiency improvements could be achieved through multi-stage or cascade system configurations.
This article describes the basic technical and legal aspects of introducing an obligatory assessment of the environmental sustainability of construction products within the framework of Regulation (EU) No 2024/3110, which replaces Regulation (EU) No 305/2011. A SWOT analysis is conducted and the main areas of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are identified, both for European construction product manufacturers, users and third party entities.
PL
W artykule opisano podstawowe aspekty techniczne i prawne wprowadzenia obowiązkowej oceny zrównoważenia środowiskowego wyrobów budowlanych w ramach rozporządzenia (UE) nr 2024/3110, które zastępuje rozporządzenie (UE) nr 305/2011. Przeprowadzono analizę SWOT i zidentyfikowano główne obszary mocnych i słabych stron, a także szans i zagrożeń, zarówno w odniesieniu do europejskich producentów wyrobów budowlanych, użytkowników, jak i do jednostek pełniących rolę strony trzeciej.
Background: The urban transport system is a complex network involving various stakeholders, each with distinct roles and objectives. Consequently, the tasks of local authorities regarding urban transport are becoming increasingly challenging, especially with the growing focus on sustainable development. Methods: This paper aims to define the key functions of urban transport organizers that significantly impact environmental sustainability. The primary goal is to assess the importance and impact of urban transport organizers in enhancing environmental sustainability in Tricity (Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot). The study, conducted in 2022, engaged a range of Polish stakeholder groups, including urban transport organizers from Tricity’s public transport companies, local authorities, freight transport companies, and local residents. A total of 342 observations were collected using Paper-and-Pencil Interviewing (PAPI), In-Depth Interviewing (IDI), and Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) methods. Results: The study reveals a differentiated impact of urban transport organizer functions on environmental sustainability indicators. The most significant influence comes from financial, infrastructural and space management functions. Conclusions: Improving processes related to passenger mobility and urban freight transport is particularly complex yet essential for sustainable urban development. Integration processes in urban transport, occurring at different levels and in various areas, can unify all aspects of city transport management without distinguishing between types of transportation.
Waterlogging significantly undermines agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, particularly in regions like South Asia where conventional, static management strategies fail to address complex site-specific dynamics. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a novel genetic algorithm-based optimisation framework designed to balance the conflicting objectives of water removal, crop yield, and environmental health. The methodology involved coupling the DRAINMOD hydrological model with an evolutionary algorithm across 50 diverse agro-ecological sites in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. By integrating granular data on soil moisture, crop requirements, and drainage parameters, the framework evolved optimal management strategies, including specific adjustments to drain depth, spacing, and land levelling. The application of this model yielded substantial improvements over baseline practices, demonstrating a 37.2% reduction in waterlogging duration and a 21.9% increase in crop yields. Furthermore, the optimised strategies enhanced water use efficiency by 35.4% and reversed soil organic carbon depletion, effectively transforming waterlogged soils from a carbon source to a sink. Economic analysis indicated a 29.8% increase in net present value, while scenario analyses confirmed the system’s resilience to projected 2050 climate conditions. These findings suggest that adopting data-driven, adaptive optimisation tools offers a viable pathway for sustainable intensification. Practical implementation requires institutional support for infrastructure upgrades, such as deeper drainage systems and precision levelling, to realise these socioeconomic and ecological benefits.
This research offers a novel approach to comparing green technologies’ economic profitability and environmental sustainability of their mineral extraction based upon econometric and life cycle assessment methodologies. Quantitative results show attractive results with an NPV of $2,014,001 and an IRR of 17%. In the third year, the project nets at $300,000, or 63%, at a 7% discount rate. However, soil protection remains challenging, but pollution coefficients are improved, as evidenced by environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The findings in the study further underscore how regulatory frameworks and market drivers dictate the use of green technology. The economic, environmental and regulatory costs of this comprehensive evaluation model are integrated, giving the four green technologies that are the subject of evaluation a position as viable solutions, provided by long-term data, strategic information management and effective governance for sustainable mineral resource extraction.
Purpose: This study examined how eco-friendly procurement practices influence the sustainability of projects that promote community development for environmental, social, and economic benefits. Methodology: A systematic literature review integrating several studies on sustainable procurement in community development project contexts. A qualitative methodology was employed to provide a comprehensive perspective on eco-friendly procurement procedures and their beneficial impact on the sustainability of projects for community development. Results: The study revealed a positive influence of eco-procurement practices and sustainability of projects for community development. The findings also indicate a distinct environmental benefit, especially in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and resource efficiency. Sustainable procurement fosters community empowerment and social fairness at the societal level. Organizations gain economically by enhancing their brand image and lowering costs. Nonetheless, obstacles persist, particularly the need for robust policy frameworks and stakeholder involvement. Theoretical Contribution: This study adds to the theoretical understanding of sustainable procurement by combining socioeconomic advantages in community development initiatives with environmental stewardship. It demonstrates the significance of sustainable practices in achieving long-term sustainability objectives. Practical Implications: This research elucidates the need to establish consistent policy frameworks and engage the community in decision-making, enhancing the long-term viability of development projects. In addition to improving an organization's environmental effect, sustainable procuring promotes social and economic equality.
This paper analyzes the efficiency of generators with a focus on promoting wind turbine components and practical investment strategies. The turbines utilized in Kitka Park represent the latest technology, featuring tower heights of 110 meters. The average annual wind speed under optimal conditions ranges from 6.4 to 7.5 m/s. A key achievement of this project is the reduction of 75.000 tons of CO2 emissions, primarily through decreased reliance on fossil fuel combustion. The primary objective of this study is to enhance wind turbine performance by improving the power factor of installed generators, as assessed through measured and simulated parameters. The case study demonstrates a 3% increase in turbine generating performance at a height of 120 meters. The generating capacity of the existing turbines is 3.6 MW; with an increase to 4 MW, efficiency per turbine has improved by 9%. The enhancement in generating power yield is identified as a critical factor influencing the operational performance and functional interaction of wind turbines.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polyester derived from renewable resources, recognized for its environmental sustainability and versatile properties. Its applications spam the biomedical, textile, and packaging industries and, more recently, wastewater treatment. This review explores recent advancements in the use of PLA and its composites for wastewater treatment, emphasizing their effectiveness, modification techniques to enhance performance, and future research directions. A thorough literature review was conducted, covering the past decade studies, and, including research articles, reviews, and case studies on PLA’s application in wastewater treatment and comparative performance against other adsorbents. Although PLA’s natural adsorption capacity is limited, it has demonstrated significant potential for removing contaminants such as heavy metals, organic dyes, and other organic pollutants. Various modifications, including surface chemical changes, physical blending with nanomaterials, and more, have notably improved its adsorption performance. Modified PLA composites thus present a viable and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment. Continued research is essential to further optimize these modifications, explore novel composite materials, develop scalable technologies, and assess long-term environmental impacts. This review offers a critical synthesis of current knowledge on PLA-based materials in wastewater treatment, aiming to inform and guide future research in sustainable water purification technologies.
This study examines property price trends in Czech cities (2018-2023) with more than 40,000 inhabitants using EVAL software, focusing on changes from 2018 to 2023. The methodology involves automated data collection from property listings, which are analysed to shed light on market dynamics and investment returns. The results show significant price increases, particularly in economically weaker cities, with variations influenced by economic and demographic factors. In this analysis, the environmental sustainability of urban development was additionally considered, highlighting the need for integrating sustainable practices into future urban growth. Practical implications include insights for policymakers and investors regarding the sustainability of urban property markets. Social implications reflect the ethical concerns of investment strategies that exploit economic disparities. The originality of the study lies in the use of advanced software to provide granular micro-level analysis within the Czech real estate market, providing valuable insights into localised economic impacts and investment opportunities.
The environmental effects of economic globalization have gained increasing scholarly attention. This study exam-ines the impact of economic globalization on environmental sustainability using two models that incorporate renewable energy consumption and production dynamics. The analysis covers the five top-performing countries in the 2022 Global Green Econ-omy Index along with Türkiye, using annual data from 1976 to 2021. A Panel Smooth Transition Regression model is applied to capture nonlinear interactions. Results indicate a three-regime nonlinear relationship in the consumption model and a two-re-gime structure in the production model. In both models, economic globalization exerts pressure on environmental sustainability. However, when renewable energy shifts to a high-consumption or high-production regime, this adverse effect diminishes. These findings suggest that renewable energy mitigates the environmental impact of globalization. Additionally, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test confirms both the direct and indirect effects of globalization on ecological footprint via renewable energy. The study highlights the critical role of renewable energy in the globalization–environment nexus and offers policy recommen-dations for achieving sustainability goals.
This paper reviews sustainable retrofitting strategies for low-rise apartment building envelopes in the composite climate of New Delhi, emphasising the need to reduce cooling energy use, improve indoor thermal comfort, and contribute to environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions. A systematic review of literature analysed several related studies, government reports, and policy documents from both national and international sources. It highlights envelope-related retrofit strategies, such as wall and roof insulation, reflective coatings, advanced glazing, and passive cooling methods. The review also covers simulation tools such as Design Builder and TRNSYS, as well as regulatory standards like the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV), used to assess retrofit effectiveness. The review highlights consistent evidence that envelope retrofitting can significantly reduce cooling energy demand while enhancing thermal comfort. It also identifies significant research gaps, including the limited availability of region-specific models for composite climates, underutilisation of RETV in design validation, insufficient integration of occupant behaviour, and inadequate attention to cost-effectiveness frameworks. The synthesis of existing literature provides valuable guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to adopt envelope-focused retrofitting approaches. It highlights the importance of climate-responsive guidelines, simulation validation, and socioeconomic factors in future retrofitting efforts for India’s residential sector. By consolidating dispersed findings into a structured framework, this review advances the body of knowledge on retrofitting strategies in composite climates. It offers a critical evaluation of current research, identifies unaddressed gaps, and suggests future directions for developing region-specific, cost-effective, and occupant-centred retrofitting models. Overall, it will demonstrate the connection between building performance improvements and environmental sustainability objectives, as well as climate-responsive design.
The escalating demand for infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing regions has intensified the depletion of natural resources and amplified industrial waste generation. This dual impact not only accelerates global warming but also exacerbates environmental degradation through increased carbon emissions. In response, this study explores a sustainable alternative by incorporating industrial by-products and recycled aggregates into geopolymer concrete (GPC) production. Specifically, cement was partially substituted with industrial waste materials – 15% pozzolanic by-product and varying percentages (0–50%) of reactive alkaline residue – alongside a consistent 25% replacement of natural coarse aggregate with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). The fresh and hardened properties of the resulting GPC were assessed through slump and compressive strength tests. Results indicated that increasing the proportion of alkaline residue adversely affected workability, while compressive strength exhibited significant enhancement, reaching up to 136 MPa compared to the baseline 75 MPa. These findings highlight the potential of geopolymer concrete utilizing secondary raw materials as a cost-efficient and environmentally conscious construction material. The use of such by-products not only mitigates solid waste accumulation but also contributes positively to the circular economy and low-carbon development strategies.
This research investigated how Blockchain might fix problems in carbon credit markets when it comes to being open, stopping fraud, and tracking things as they happen. It takes a deep dive into current carbon credit systems to find significant issues like counting things twice, not having the same rules for everyone, and slow ways of doing business. The study then checked if spread-out features of blockchain can help. Real-life examples show that blockchain can cut business costs by up to 30% by using smart contracts. It also helps more people join in by checking things right away and letting everyone see how credits move. These changes make carbon credit systems more trustworthy and help countries work together better. However, there are still problems, like making blockchain work for more people, the fact that it uses a lot of energy, and that different industries do not all follow the same rules. To fix these, the blockchains that use less energy and make rules that work worldwide need to be studied. Even with these problems, blockchain can help by making paperwork easier, cutting costs, and holding people responsible. This lets smaller groups join in and makes the market work better. The study pointed out that it is new and important to mix blockchain with things like the Internet of Things and AI to track emissions and check credits better in real time.
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the prediction of carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles using machine learning-based regression models. Linear regression, lasso regression, k-nearest neighbor regression, random forest, and CatBoostRegressor algorithms are systematically evaluated using a dataset of vehicle specifications and emissions data. Hyper-parameter optimization was performed using a grid search method and the performance of the models was measured using mean squared error, root mean squared error, mean absolute error, and R-squared metrics. CatBoostRegressor stood out for its high predictive accuracy, while random forest and k-nearest neighbor models also produced notable results, while linear models failed to model complex data relationships. Correlation analysis showed that engine displacement, number of cylinders, and fuel consumption were strongly correlated (0.92–0.99) with carbon dioxide emissions. The comparison with the literature showed that the study was characterized by its multi-model approach, rigorous data pre-processing, and systematic optimization. However, the geographical limitation of the dataset and the lack of dynamic variables such as driving conditions restrict its generalizability. In the future, explainable artificial intelligence methods and larger datasets may overcome these limitations. By highlighting the applicability of CatBoostRegressor, this study strengthens the contribution of machine learning to environmental sustainability policy and provides methodological innovation in the literature.
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