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Social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) is a tool to address social impacts from a life cycle perspective. This work presents the first S-LCA of the Portuguese pulp and paper sector. It presents the social risks and the positive social impacts of the sector, which have not been extensively covered in the scientific literature. Two different approaches were used to compile the social life cycle inventory based on input-output analysis. Approach 1 was based on impact analysis of changes in added value. Approach 2 was based on structural path analysis, supporting the disaggregation by production levels (or tiers). The functional unit was the production of 1 United States Dollar in the Portuguese pulp and paper sector. In the social life cycle impact assessment, the social risk assessment was conducted using the Social Hotspots Database. The positive impacts were addressed considering indicators of employment and remuneration, namely total employment, number of employees, labor compensation, and compensation of employees. Based on Approach 1, the results of the social risks showed the Portuguese pulp and paper industry, commerce and forestry sectors, and the Spanish forestry sector as the critical sectors. Based on Approach 2, Portugal and Spain continued to be the countries having the greatest social risks. Other contributions of countries were identified at different production levels, particularly China in tier 3. In both approaches, the stakeholder category 'worker' was the most critical. Regarding the positive social impacts, Approach 1 showed that Portugal and Spain contribute to the highest employment level linked to the pulp and paper, commerce, and forestry sectors. Approach 2 supported the differentiation of employment and remuneration at different production levels. Tier 2 (direct suppliers) presented the highest employment level and persons engaged and the lowest remuneration level. The results showed that Approach 1 provides a faster and more aggregated assessment of social risks and positive social impacts. Furthermore, Approach 2 allowed a more detailed evaluation, providing a better understanding of the social risks and positive social impacts on the supply chain. Thus, Approach 2 is encouraged for different applications since it produces a better understanding of where social risks and positive social impacts occur, providing better guidance for corrective measures and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pulp industry plays an important role in the structure of European economy and society. Paper pulp manufacture, the industrial utilization of plant biomass, is increasing every year. In Spain, Eucalyptus is the dominant raw material and the Kraft cooking and total chlorine free (TCF) bleaching processes lead the procedures of Eucalyptus paper pulp production. This paper aims to identify and quantify the environmental impacts associated to Eucalyptus TCF pulp manufacture by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as an analytical tool. The system has been defined using a cradle-to-gate perspective, that is to say from forest activities to the exit gate of the pulp mill. The production of chemicals consumed in the cooking and bleaching stages as well as the on-site energy production system is the elements that contribute the most to all impact categories analyzed (more than 50% of total contributions), except for the eutrophication potential where forest activities and waste treatment play an important roles (about 52% of total). Specific actions associated to the recovery boiler, lime kiln and digestion stage could considerably reduce the environmental impact and improve the environmental performance of the Spanish paper pulp industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract This paper investigates the incentives and inhibiting factors of eco-innovation capacities in the firm. Firms materialize the objectives of eco-innovation from a reactive attitude to external pressures, to a more proactive attitude that implies the voluntary incorporation of eco-innovation activities. This variability in the behaviour of companies with respect to the level of eco-innovation development has been a motivator for the research. However, despite the importance of this research question, this has been approached in a dispersed way from multiple approaches. From a dynamic capabilities perspective, we assume that the innovation capacity of the firm encourages eco-innovations. Our paper is focused on the process of eco-innovation, identifying the elements that facilitate or hinder the eco-innovation in the firm. We study the Spanish case, using a panel from the Spanish Innovation Survey, with a sample of 5461 Spanish firms. The results highlight that the complexity of the eco-innovation process negatively affects the decision to develop eco-innovations. However, our results suggest that institutions and organizations of the Spanish environment are making efforts to compensate these obstacles and provide incentives to develop eco-innovations. Highlights • We model investigates the incentives and inhibiting factors of eco-innovation. • Our focus is on the process of eco-innovation from dynamic capabilities perspective. • The complexity of the eco-innovation process negatively affects to develop eco-innovations. • Results show that the experience facilitates the development of future eco-innovations. • The institutions provide incentives to develop eco-innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to research on integrated and sustainability reporting at higher-education institutions in the context of voluntary reporting by focusing on an innovative Spanish university. It examines the developments for the implementation of sustainability and integrated reporting at this university by critically analysing what, why, who and how the new models of reporting have been implemented. The paper provides a case study using documentary analysis and qualitative data based on semi-structured interviews. The results show that the report is mainly focused on social and sustainability values and can not be considered an integrated report that connects all the capitals creating value. The key driver has been stakeholders' interests, represented by the university's social council, aiming at increasing competitiveness and achieve third mission objectives. The paper contributes by pointing out the challenges and principal issues of the process of implementation. An important issue for successful implementation is introducing it as a managerial and accountability tool, and linking it to the organisation's strategic objectives. This can be used for learning processes at other universities that want to follow this path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strongest economic crisis ever known, started in 2008, destroyed much of the social achievements. Although the European Union had to deal with this situation by designing common policies, the member states have handled this crisis in many different ways. Nevertheless, not all the countries had the same possibilities for manage their economic policies inside a common currency area. These states involved in the EuroZone have faced some restrictions due to their belonging to a currency area, so they have had to design alternative economic policies to the monetary one. The main objective of this paper is to assess the acceptance of the restrictive policies on public health expenses due to economic crisis and the implemented economic policy, from the point of view of citizens. This paper hypothesized that this acceptance or not depends on citizens perception of adequate use of the public health care system. A survey was conducted among the main social actors involved on healthcare system: the general population and health professionals. And for testing the hypotheses a means comparison ( t -test and ANOVA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) has been developed using data from that survey. Outcomes from those econometric exercises show a general disagreement with the cuts in health expenses, but in a level very related with citizen’s perceptions of overuse of public health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses directional distance function DDF in order to analyze a group of environmental performance indicators (EPIs) in doing so, selecting desired and undesired inputs and outputs and taking as variables the analyze of glass, paper, cardboard, light packaging and other waste. In a second phase an analysis is generated with five socioeconomic factors (Built for this paper); population density, tourism, the economic activity of the municipality, the economic level per inhabitant and education. As a result, we are able to observe the influence and effects of ecoefficiency on urban waste management (EUWM) in 143 Spanish municipalities. The result panel data is generated via a “Tobit Model” regression analysis showing that tourism and education are the significant independent variables in model. The study shows that a local administration does not need to have a high economic level or be highly populated to reach a good level of eco-efficiency. It is not the money that causes a level of eco-efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operation of solar photovoltaic installations for many years may lead to problems such as reduced energy efficiency and aging of components. Under this framework, replacing certain components in the facility to extend the service life of the power plant is viewed, in some cases, as a feasible strategy. However, despite its enormous strategic interest for the solar PV industry, we find that revamping PV installations has been the focus of very few scientific publications, and even less so when it comes to analyzing real facilities. Thus, this paper performs a techno-economic analysis of three revamping strategies at a real PV power plant located in the south-east of Spain. The strategies consist of substituting, in each case, the PV modules, the inverter, and both components. The simulated results show that the highest production value by installed power is obtained when both the modules and the inverter are replaced. In the same vein, the economic analysis reveals this scenario as the most favorable in terms of profitability. Based on the results obtained, an interesting future line of research would be focused on the extension of the analysis at country level to study the joint impact of numerous revamping actions. • Techno-economic analysis of revamping projects of a real solar PV power plant. • Replacing modules and inverter emerges as the most feasible strategy. • Study's applicability extends to other revamping initiatives and geographical regions. • Economic outcomes allow the most cost-effective alternatives to be determined. • This research can contribute to efficient and sustainable energy planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spiraling growth of the world's population and unregulated urbanization have resulted in many environmental problems, including poor quality of air, which is associated with a wide range of health issues. Machine learning approaches have been extensively employed to predict air quality, attracting the attention of the scientific community worldwide. Bibliometric studies provide a useful means by which to visualize and analyze published works, helping researchers to make novel scientific contributions by filling existing knowledge gaps in the research. To acquire an in-depth understanding of the topic, this paper presents a bibliometric analysis of all published articles on the use of machine learning networks to predict air quality found in the Web of Science (WoS) search engine from 1992 to 2021. S-curve analysis and social network analysis were used to identify the temporal distribution of articles, productivity by countries/continents, research institutions, and scientific metrics of journal productivity. This study indicated that maximum expansion of the literature witnessed during 2017–2021 (second phase) which represents an expansion or growth stage of machine learning and air quality prediction research. The number of published works increased significantly with 1432 articles accounting for 68.51% of all publications. As a result of the increased interest in machine learning-based prediction tools, the number of articles grew 2.17-fold compared to the 1992–2016 (first phase). In terms of international collaboration impact, Italy emerged as the most successful country (43.44), followed by Greece (31.22) and Spain (23.29). Author keywords analysis was employed to explore and evaluate the emerging research trends on the subject of air quality using machine learning models. Keywords that appear most frequently in this study are 'air pollution', 'air quality', 'machine learning', and 'forecasting'. Citation burst analysis, research productivity analysis, highly influential and highly cited works were also employed to examine various research themes and questions. In this study we also discussed how conventional methods were transformed into machine learning approaches. It is expected that this paper will provide technical guidelines, research priorities, and future opportunities for the precise prediction of air quality and emergency management of air pollution globally. • Interest in air quality prediction through machine learning model is expanding. • China and US were found productive countries in terms of countries collaboration. • Big data, Internet of Things, and Smart city are emerging topic for future research. • Significant difference between citations, funded and non-funded research. • Ensemble modeling is popular in air quality prediction research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spiraling growth of the world's population and unregulated urbanization have resulted in many environmental problems, including poor quality of air, which is associated with a wide range of health issues. Machine learning approaches have been extensively employed to predict air quality, attracting the attention of the scientific community worldwide. Bibliometric studies provide a useful means by which to visualize and analyze published works, helping researchers to make novel scientific contributions by filling existing knowledge gaps in the research. To acquire an in-depth understanding of the topic, this paper presents a bibliometric analysis of all published articles on the use of machine learning networks to predict air quality found in the Web of Science (WoS) search engine from 1992 to 2021. S-curve analysis and social network analysis were used to identify the temporal distribution of articles, productivity by countries/continents, research institutions, and scientific metrics of journal productivity. This study indicated that maximum expansion of the literature witnessed during 2017–2021 (second phase) which represents an expansion or growth stage of machine learning and air quality prediction research. The number of published works increased significantly with 1432 articles accounting for 68.51% of all publications. As a result of the increased interest in machine learning-based prediction tools, the number of articles grew 2.17-fold compared to the 1992–2016 (first phase). In terms of international collaboration impact, Italy emerged as the most successful country (43.44), followed by Greece (31.22) and Spain (23.29). Author keywords analysis was employed to explore and evaluate the emerging research trends on the subject of air quality using machine learning models. Keywords that appear most frequently in this study are 'air pollution', 'air quality', 'machine learning', and 'forecasting'. Citation burst analysis, research productivity analysis, highly influential and highly cited works were also employed to examine various research themes and questions. In this study we also discussed how conventional methods were transformed into machine learning approaches. It is expected that this paper will provide technical guidelines, research priorities, and future opportunities for the precise prediction of air quality and emergency management of air pollution globally. • Interest in air quality prediction through machine learning model is expanding. • China and US were found productive countries in terms of countries collaboration. • Big data, Internet of Things, and Smart city are emerging topic for future research. • Significant difference between citations, funded and non-funded research. • Ensemble modeling is popular in air quality prediction research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green public procurement has been considered an important policy instrument on the path toward realizing sustainable consumption and production. Additionally, universities are important to the promotion of sustainable consumption through their positive effects on students and other stakeholders. This paper analyses the contribution of universities to sustainable consumption through Green Public Procurement initiatives, from both external and internal perspectives. From an external perspective, how universities express their “green” image outwardly has been analysed. The results show that 21.5% universities have put into practice different initiatives related to green procurement (having a public procurement manual), and 72.5% of them have a department in charge of environmental subjects. From an internal perspective, how universities currently position themselves in terms of green procurement policies has been analysed. The results reveal that universities generally include environmental criteria in the public procurement contract specifications and that they regularly organise awareness and media campaigns. The results reflect the perceptions of people in charge of promoting green initiatives inside the universities; however, they may or may not be involved in their institution's mission. The value of this paper lies in its contribution to the knowledge of how initiatives implemented at higher education institutions can contribute to sustainable consumption using theoretical and practical approaches. The biggest obstacle was the difficulty in locating the different initiatives at universities' websites and also in the lack of uniformity for the comparison, dissemination and communication of environment-related activities. The conclusions show that green public procurement is a relatively new activity in Spain, especially in relation to sustainable consumption; however, it needs to be studied thoroughly because it can prompt policymakers to increase green practices through the adoption of measures that actually contribute to sustainable consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic crises pose challenges for the provision of public services but may also open up opportunities for social learning about how to achieve a sustainable society. The main research question addressed in this paper is: can economic crises catalyse social learning for a sustainable society? The hypothesis of the paper is that social learning emerges in association with the reduction of consumption levels that follows degrowth or with the reconfiguration of infrastructure management practices and sustainable innovation that could lead to a transition to sustainability. Following this, we empirically examine whether the crisis has led to social learning about the sustainable provision of public services in two similar municipalities in the north of Spain after the economic crisis of 2008. We develop an interpretative analysis of individual experiences of learning from the crisis using a set of qualitative interviews with individuals who were involved in key decisions about public service delivery during or immediately after the crisis. The analysis suggests that there has been a broader cultural change, which is challenging institutional models of regional development, that there has been a drive towards greater resource efficiency and that some opportunities have opened for entrepreneurs to develop sustainable innovations. The findings support the view that the crisis may have fostered learning responses that could lead to either degrowth or a sustainable transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the latest developments in sustainability reporting in Spain, one of the leading countries worldwide in this field, and makes special emphasis on the recent governmental initiative entitled “Spanish strategy on companies’ corporate social responsibility practices 2014–2020” aimed at extending CSR practices not only to listed companies and state-owned enterprises but also to the rest of companies (including SMEs) and the Public Administrations. It is based on six principles, four strategic objectives, ten action lines and sixty proposed measures with the ultimate goal of supporting the development of responsible practices in the public and private sectors in order that they become a significant driver of the country's competitiveness and its transformation to a more productive, sustainable and inclusive economy. The most relevant initiatives set out in each of the main CSR pillars are highlighted and compared with similar actions adopted in other European countries. The paper concludes with a reflection on the main challenges ahead that need to be overcome through the joint efforts of all the actors involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency is a fundamental element of the transition towards a sustainable use of natural resources among which water has a prominent role. Spain is among the European countries facing considerable water shortage problems, particularly within its southern regions. The current paper introduces an efficiency evaluation model based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The model incorporates a subset of outputs as undesirable inputs to account for the circularity of the production process by means of treated and reused water. The main differences existing between the circular approach proposed, a standard two-stage DEA model and a dynamic Slacks-Based Measure process will be carefully illustrated. In particular, the drawbacks faced by these latter techniques to consistently incorporate circularity into their optimization structures will be demonstrated both formally and numerically. The malleability of the current approach and its capacity to generate consistent identifiable categories among the regions evaluated within a circular production setting will be studied in detail. The analysis performed demonstrates significant structural differences in production capacity and efficiency across regions, with the inefficient ones displaying a considerable subpar use of resources through their production processes. The prevalence of inefficiency in several northern regions is partially compensated through their treatment and reutilization of water. However, this is not the case for the southern ones, which face stricter constraints and more inefficient production processes. The subsequent implications for efficiency are examined and policies aimed at enhancing the structural quality of the corresponding production systems suggested. [Display omitted] • We define a circular Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) efficiency evaluation model. • Undesirable inputs implement the production circularity generated by treated water. • Two-stage and dynamic Slacks-Based Measure DEA are inapplicable to our setting. • Significant differences in production efficiency are found across Spanish regions. • Southern regions remain inefficient even with water treatment and reutilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding alternative phosphorus sources is imperative to address negative environmental and societal impacts caused by its current inefficient use. However, the direct use of phosphorus in sewage sludge in agriculture is controversial. This paper uses Denmark, Germany, and Spain as case examples to assess relevant legislation and boundary conditions in agricultural production to identify opportunities and barriers for the utilisation of recycled phosphorus from wastewater in agriculture on a regional level. Only five out of 22 phosphorus recycling technologies considered were in full compliance with legislation across all three countries, and these five were then assessed for their potential to supply phosphorus to major crops within countries. We considered the application of technologies across four scenarios: 1) struvite; 2) vivianite as iron supply; 3) vivianite for calcium phosphate precipitation; and 4) ashes for calcium phosphate precipitation. The most suitable scenario identified for Denmark was vivianite for calcium phosphate precipitation, whereas in Spain vivianite as iron supply was identified as most suitable, and ashes for calcium phosphate in Germany. We found that in 2018, the potential phosphorus supply from recycling technologies was on average 0.38, 0.29 and 0.05 kg of phosphorus per capita for Danish, German, and Spanish regions. These quantities could meet 9.1, 21.7, and 10.0 percent of the phosphorus required to produce major cereals in each country (specifically wheat, barley, and rye). Given current legal constraints, wastewater treatment plant connections and agronomic context, the potential contribution of recycled phosphorus is non-negligible in many sub-national regions. Still, to access the full potential of phosphorus circularity clear product specifications and transport and logistics among regions will be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the relevant potential of offshore resource to substantially mitigate the effects of climate change through the generation of renewable electricity, the full exploitation of such wind resource currently remains incomplete. To promote offshore wind energy projects, it is crucial to engage in comprehensive planning processes that encompass technical, social, environmental, stakeholder, and political considerations. Within this framework, this paper presents a combined approach based on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology to optimize the selection of offshore wind farm locations. The proposed methodology includes annual net electricity production as a critical factor in the decision-making process, which has been previously optimized with regard to the wake effect. Subsequently, the determination of potential locations involves key criteria such as technical feasibility, environmental impact, economic viability, and power generation potential. This MCDM-GIS approach was applied and evaluated in a case study along the Spanish coastline, considering 92 initial alternatives. The results indicate that the offshore wind energy targets established for Spain in 2030 and 2050 should be reevaluated, as the optimal utilization of the available area represents only 16% of the total potential area. Based on the aforementioned criteria, a suitability map was generated by integrating all relevant map layers, including their respective buffer zones. [Display omitted] • Net electricity production criterion included in the alternative decision matrix. • GIS-MCDM synergy methodology at territorial level to optimize offshore wind sites. • Multi-criteria definition includes technical, environmental, and economic factors. • 92 potential offshore wind plant alternatives in a Spanish case study are considered. • Results give different ranking of alternatives depending on each MCDM approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of plastic raw materials has been exponentially growing throughout the world in the last decade and so has, in the same proportion, their associated waste. Recycling through the mechanical treatment of the heavy fraction of these plastics is the most economic and the safest alternative to use this waste and to recirculate it for reuse within the same industry or for other related industries located near the place where the waste is generated. In this paper, a study of characterization and post-processing of recycled high density polyethylene received by a hazardous waste manager in southern Spain is presented, an area in which containers, Intermediate Bulk Containers, and drums, originally used for oil products from refineries and petrochemical industries nearby, are employed. These high density polyethylene materials are validated to meet the requirements of the harmonized standards to be used as self-supply in the production of manhole covers. EN 124–6:2015 standard allows the use of plastic materials such as PE or PP, even using material externally reprocessed, such as material derived from thermoplastic products that have not been previously used as lids or manhole covers. Class A-15 and B-125 of the standard are oriented for the construction of these types of elements to cover or close in certain urban spaces such as pedestrian areas, parking areas or multi-story car parks for vehicles. The study shows that the recycled material fully complies with the density; it keeps unalterable during fire test after application of the coating, there are no adverse effects on artificial ageing; the decrease of the average value of the tensile impact strength by 21.84%; and achieves 6 mm of maximum deflection against the test load Fp (45.3 MPa). Therefore, it can be considered a valid scenario for the effective use of solid plastic waste in products that make up part of the urban or industrial areas, as an example of complete circularity material and offers a valid alternative to the end-of-waste condition. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depopulation is a major challenge for many rural inland areas, as is the case in a considerable number of rural municipalities in Galicia (north-western Spain). The pandemic had a considerable impact on internal migration in 2020, but it was far from being anywhere near high enough to reverse the ongoing trend of population decline, highlighting the need for further action. Thus, this paper has a twofold objective: firstly, to propose an index of rural sustainable development for the rural Galician municipalities, and secondly, to identify the factors related to it. In so doing, a composite index stemming from the Benefit of the Doubt methodology has been proposed in the first stage, an index built from four-dimension factors– economic, demographic, social, and environmental. The empirical evidence of this index has been compared with three additional ones (namely, common weights, super-efficiency, and geometric mean and logistic normalization models). In the second stage, the relationship between the composite index and a set of exogenous variables that affect rural development has been analyzed, the data confirming that the rates of female immigration and occupancy in the hospitality sector favors sustainable development, whereas the distance from the provincial capital hinders it. This paper paves the way for an assessment of the potentialities of each territory, and the evidence found allows actions to be supported that generate sustainable progress in rural Galician municipalities and that are useful for tackling this complex problem. • A new rural sustainable development index based on four dimensions is proposed. • Strengths and weaknesses for each Galician rural municipality are identified. • Environmental factors constitute a driver of rural development in Galicia. • Social aspects (i.e., health, education, services) stand out as main weaknesses. • Policies to boost social care and attract childbearing-age inhabitants are paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Debates on degrowth have mainly focused on theoretical issues, specially around the unsustainability of the current economic model based on growth. Along those lines some scholars have dealt with the opportunities and barriers to voluntary social action for degrowth at a general level. Notwithstanding the key importance of such debates, we argue that local strategies to move towards degrowth are still to be explored. Departing from the specific case of water, in this paper we interrogate the compatibility of non-conventional centralised and decentralised water supply technologies (desalination, reclaimed water reuse, greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting) with degrowth principles. Taking as a case study the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (Spain), a social multi-criteria evaluation has been performed to explore the feasibility, desirability and acceptability of both models. The paper aims to explore the pros and cons of the different water alternatives in two different (and hypothetic) societies: one based on growth (business-as-usual) and one based on degrowth. The technical analysis reveals that rainwater harvesting and reclaimed water reuse are the most preferred alternatives from a degrowth perspective while reclaimed water reuse and desalination are the most preferred alternatives from a growth perspective. The social multi-criteria analysis also serves to unveil which social actors may favour or block the adoption of each alternative. Notwithstanding that most social groups see desalination as the least desired option, this is the hegemonic non-conventional source in Spain which evidences the prevalence of growth discourses in water management. Local decision-makers, city council managers and environmental groups clearly opt for the promotion of rainwater harvesting and as a result, they appear as potential allies to promote degrowth in water consumption. The social multi-criteria evaluation helps to elucidate the main challenges that need to be addressed in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable water management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the implementation and integration of standardized Management Systems (MSs) such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Specifically, we study the implementation of different standards during a four-year period (2006–2010) and we examine the level of integration of different MS elements such as the resources, documentation, goals and procedures during this period. Additionally, the paper aims to evaluate the impact of integration on companies over time, namely the difficulties experienced by firms during the integration of MSs in organizations with more than one MS. In order to accomplish these objectives, the first dynamic study on the integration of MSs has been undertaken. In order to compare firms that integrate their MSs in two different moments in time, two empirical studies were conducted, one in 2006 and one in 2010. These studies used a survey directed to firms with more than one MS in Catalonia (Spain). This paper contributes to the understanding of how firms that have an Integrated Management System (IMS) integrate their standardized MSs and how they perceive the challenges related to managing the IMS over time. It also demonstrates that firms integrate their MSs rather than keep them separated, therefore showing a tendency toward integration over time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cities today are dense networks of interchanging investments, information, goods and people, as well as centers of innovation and knowledge management. In such a complex framework of housing, social and economic interrelationships, cities become large consumers of resources and producers of greenhouse gases. Therefore, and in order to preserve resources and guarantee social services and the well-being of citizens, planning and policy actions are required that contribute to achieving sustainable growth. Beyond the environmental perspective, a socio-economic analysis is essential to make a comprehensive sustainability diagnosis of urban and rural systems. This paper presents a methodology for sustainability assessment, based on 38 indicators that include the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. To carry out this assessment, 64 municipalities out of 313 located in Galicia (Northwest Spain) were selected and classified in three categories according to their population size (Medium Size, Small Size and Village). Moreover, two weighting methods have been considered (equal weighting and measured weighting attributed through Analytic Hierarchy Process method). The results show that most sustainable municipalities are located in the north of the region. On the other hand, regardless of the weighting method, 57% of the medium-sized municipalities are rated sustainable compared to 45% of those of the categories of Village and Small Size categories. Therefore, municipal size is relevant for measuring sustainability and there are no significant differences between the results obtained with the two weighting methodologies, indicating that the method developed is robust and could be applied to other municipalities and cities. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to provide insights of a Workshop entitled 'Inner Processes of Creation' w hich was held at the Global Conference on Cleaner Production and Sustainable Consumption, in Barcelona, Spain, in November 2015, with further perceptions on a presentation of the topic at ARTEM Conference on Creativity and Sustainability, in Nancy, France, in Septemper 2017. The Workshop was designed to catalyze the development of perceptions and consciousness of the inner wisdom, as it emerges in self-expression, by focusing upon the processes of awakening the wisdom from within, which can help all of us achieve better understanding of our reponsibility in helping societies to live sustainably, within planetary boundaries. The Workshop included four movements, with the themes: a) creation, b) definition, c) a specific way, and d) achievement with self realization. The research envolved the interdisciplinary, autopoïetic, and complex thinking view of the subject. During the Workshop, an environment of trust was created by regarding the participants with reverence and respect to their individual rhythms. The participants experienced and catalyzed new versions and plans for creative and sustainable organizational approaches of learning and development, in an environment of trust. Participants consciousness was enlarged towards envisioning sustainable proposals, in which we need to become more actively engaged. It was concluded, that the inner knowledge can be experienced through creative, meditative, visioning processes. When effectively facilitated, this process can bring deep understanding of meaning about different issues and can support the effective decision-making towards a constructive change-making, through sustainable proposals made individually and collectivelly. The blossoming of a flower in the golden ratio representing Poïesis. Poïesis is a Greek word that indicates making, creating, producing, and the unfolding of Life. This research shows the poïetic, dialogic and interdisciplinary dimensions, where development of living beings is recognized as continuous, like a spiral in movement and fluidity. The integration of all living beings is connected to the web of life in constant self-organization, which is dependent and autonomous, at the same time, establishing a dialogic relation. This meaning can be awakened in a variety of ways, by each individual who experiences the Workshop on the Inner Processes of Creation. Image 10022628 • The Workshop entitled 'Inner Processes of Creation' aimed at the awakening the inner worth. • The systemic approach of awakening the inner worth, can lead to sustainable proposals in decision-making. • Participants experienced the inner wisdom emerging in an experience of self-expression and introspection. • Introspection can play an important role in specific societal processes of sustainability. • New kind of participation in the cosmos can be gained via the awareness of nature to the divine in the mind and soul. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In December 2015 the European Commission adopted the Circular Economy Package that includes legislative proposals on waste as well as long-term targets to reduce landfilling and increase recycling and reuse. A detailed and comprehensive accounting of waste arisings forms the quantitative basis for designing adequate policy instruments for a Circular Economy. The aim of this paper is to estimate total waste generation throughout the supply chain in Spain by applying an input-output based hybrid Life Cycle Assessment model. Both the waste generated by direct suppliers and indirect suppliers (that is, suppliers to suppliers) are estimated. The results show that there is high concentrations in total waste generation both in terms of sectors and waste types so the government should concentrate its waste prevention strategy on those sectors and types of waste that have a higher impact on total waste generation. Highlights • Total waste generation throughout the supply chain is estimated. • A high concentration both in terms of sectors and of waste types is found. • Waste prevention strategies should take into account total waste generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Industrial parks play a significant role in the production and use of goods and services. However, this also means that the environmental problems of each company are concentrated in a relatively small area. One of these problems is solid waste disposal, which has become a critical issue because of its negative impacts as well as the resources consumed. Integrated solid waste management integrates cleaner and more sustainable production strategies by reducing resource consumption and applying mechanisms found in natural ecosystems to industrial systems. Nevertheless, one of the necessary conditions for the design of such a system is a preliminary study of waste generation management in the area. The study presented in this paper characterizes industrial waste production and management in the metropolitan area of Granada (Spain), and analyzes its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A similar typology of industrial activities, mainly in the distribution and transportation sector, as well as the proximity of various industrial parks could facilitate their partnership in environmental management. The results obtained in our study point to significant weaknesses in the system, such as the lack of effective waste management tools and training for waste management personnel. Other weaknesses were, the low percentage of selective waste collection and the existence of unauthorized collectors. The paper concludes with specific proposals for waste collection. These recommendations include the creation of the following: (i) a community responsible for waste management; (ii) recycling points in industrial parks; (iii) energy recovery from the waste; (iv) a market to sell, buy, and/or exchange waste; (v) one authorized set of waste management agents that would provide the advantages of an economy of scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to empirically assess the determinants of environmental technology investments in the Spanish industrial sectors with the help of panel data econometric techniques. The paper confirms the relevance of the stringency of environmental regulation to explain overall investment patterns in environmental technologies. These investments are also positively related to human and physical capital intensity and R&D intensity, and negatively related to the export intensity of sectors. Furthermore, the study shows that the determinants for investments are likely to differ between environmental technology types (i.e., end-of-pipe versus cleaner technologies). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During recent decades, the impact of industrial organisations on the environment has become clearly evident. It has also become more difficult to hide and more expensive. Globally, this has caused many enterprises to put all their efforts into seeking management instruments that allow them to reduce their negative impact on the environment as well as improving their economic efficiency. This environmental interest is either voluntary or forced by customers or by legal pressure. Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) are among the many tools that have appeared to fulfil that goal and that have drawn international researchers’ attention. The most popular system and the one most often used is the ISO 14001 standard. This paper examines empirically the influence that this certification exerts on the company’s pollutant emission policy. The analysis was carried out in four regions of Spain: Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and Castilla-León and includes 126 industrial organisations. The goal of this paper is to investigate the behaviour of the companies according to their emissions policies once they have achieved the ISO 14001 certification. In the paper the Toxics Release Index of 56 certified companies is compared with the Index of 70 non-certified companies. Through a statistical analysis based on the Student’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test, it was concluded that ISO 14001 does not represent an environmental proactivity signal clearly enough to result in a reduction of the company’s environmental polluting index. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper analyses the role of consultancy services in the transition towards a Circular Economy (CE). To this aim, the paper brings together two different strands, the emergence of a new Circular Economy paradigm as a complex innovation process which faces many barriers and the innovative role of Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS). Among KIBS, consultancy services are widely recognized in the field of innovation systems as a necessary agent for the adoption and diffusion of innovation by other agents. Circular-Oriented Innovation (COI) involves major changes, sometimes including new technologies and in most cases requiring the reorganization of value chains and the collaboration of different actors. This paper conducts a qualitative research focused on CE-related consultancy services provided by four pioneering companies in Spain. The paper sheds light on the functions developed by consultancy firms and discusses the main drivers and barriers towards COI. The findings suggest that KIBS may play an important role in the dissemination of the CE paradigm. Firstly, providing and managing knowledge to promote COI in their client's companies; secondly, through the strategic formation of networks and alliances with other key stakeholders, which are key for the practical implementation of CE; and finally, by disseminating the ideas and principles of the CE in the system and across the society. By means of their functions, we conclude that consultancy services may help to lower some of the barriers that are usually addressed by companies, and that revolve around the lack of knowledge and the associated uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 emissions are one of the major contributors to global warming. The variety of emission sources and the nature of CO 2 hinders estimating its concentration in real time and therefore to adopt flexible policies that contribute to its control and, ultimately, to reduce its effects. Spain is not exempted from this challenge and CO 2 emissions are published only at the end of the year and as an aggregated value for the whole country, without recognising the existing differences between the regions (the so-called, Autonomous Communities). The recent COVID-19 pandemic is a clear example of the need of accurate and fast estimation methods so that policies can be tailored to the current status and not to a past one. This paper provides a method to estimate monthly emissions of CO 2 for each AACC in Spain based on data that are published monthly by the relevant administrations. The paper discusses the approximations needed in the development of the method, predicts the drop in emissions due to the reduced industrial activity during the pandemic in Spain and provides the estimation of future emissions under three recovery scenarios after the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of corporate reputation is rarely applied to cooperative companies. This paper analyzes the implications of a good reputation in their performance. Specifically, it focuses on olive oil cooperatives in Spain, where the need for differentiation makes them key subjects of study. The structural equation method and the partial least square technique are used to empirically test a theoretical model linking cooperative reputation to performance in a twofold multidimensional way. On the one hand considering that the cooperative reputation is reflected on four variables: innovation, certification systems, social responsibility and awards. On the other hand the financial aspects of performance have been considered but also the non-financials, to take into account the specific nature of these companies. The outcomes obtained for the representative sample of the sectorof 76 cooperatives in Spain, demonstrates that reputation has been well approximated by the four variables included in the model and it is indeed directly and positively related to the cooperative performance. These findings serve for positioning reputation as a novel key performance indicator for Coopmanagers, indicator that also allows to be used at the same time in the imminent need for differentiation of this industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to analyse biodiesel market acceptance in Spain. In particular, we study the intention to use biodiesel by Spanish diesel car drivers and the factors explaining this intention. To achieve this goal, we developed a model of the intention to use biodiesel based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour but extended in two ways. The first one consists of the inclusion of two new predictors of the intention to use (environmental self-identity and biodiesel knowledge) and the second, the extension of the model to take into account the two barriers in the adoption of biodiesel in the market (potential price premium and limited availability in the petrol stations). This model has been specified as an ordered probit and estimated using data from a survey conducted in Spain. Results indicated that apart from the attitudes towards biodiesel use, the most important factors explaining the intention to use biodiesel are the biodiesel knowledge and the environmental self-identity, in other words, the new predictors in the Theory of Planned Behaviour model. In addition, the effects of all the factors (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, biodiesel knowledge, environmental self-identity and socio-demographic characteristics) on the intention to use were different, depending on the price and the availability of the biodiesel in the market. Thus, we can conclude that to analyse the intention to use biodiesel, different price and availability scenarios should be taken into account. Empirical results indicated that to increase biodiesel use, the best option is to increase biodiesel knowledge and environmental self-identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain, due to its important mining past, there are many abandoned mine waste facilities. This study evaluates the potential of Spanish mine wastes for the recovery of critical and strategic raw materials and other elements of economic relevance. For this purpose, 20 mine waste facilities have been selected in different parts of Spain based on criteria such as tonnage, element content or metal market price. Surface samples were taken at the facilities, considered representative of these, for subsequent granulometric, mineralogical and chemical analysis. The grain size data were obtained by standard sieving (ASTM 5000), while the mineralogy was obtained by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). For chemical characterization, Wavelength Dispersion X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (WDXRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used to analyze 38 chemical elements (Be, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Hf, Ta, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th and U), many of them included in the European Union's list of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). In addition, leachate data from mine wastes in the Iberian Pyritic Belt were analyzed to assess their bioleaching potential. The calculated enrichment factors (EF) indicate that some critical elements, as well as others with strategic and economic interest, are highly enriched in the wastes, including Sb, Bi, As, Pb, Cu, Ag, Zn, Cd, Sn, Se and Th. The most promising facilities with the highest recovery potential are located in the historic Riotinto and Tharsis mines (both in Huelva, Iberian Pyrite Belt) and the Rubiais mine in Lugo, whose tailings could contribute up to 3.2 billion dollars gross, according to the current market metal prices. This paper aims to provide a first step to promote mine waste recycling and circular mining in Spain, an initiative that would also help to mitigate the environmental damage derived from abandoned mine wastes. • First national-scale assessment of Critical Raw Materials from mine waste facilities in Spain. • Mine waste facilities enriched with critical and strategic metals in terms of enrichment factors. • Most promising facilities evaluated in terms of metal tonnages and estimated gross benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galicia (NW Spain) has been the first national milk producer with production rates oscillating between 25.7% and 39.1%, of the total milk produced in Spain between 2001 and 2014. Dairy industry is one of the most important food activities in this geographical region; only fish processing industry (data from 2014) precedes its annual turnover. Research related to sustainability in this sector has proved that farming is the most polluting process associated to the life cycle. Nevertheless, the prevention and control of emissions to air, water and soil, as well as waste generation derived from the industrial process, cannot be omitted. This is the objective of the Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, IPPC). The industrial activities included in its Annex I (as the dairy industry) must, among others, implement the Best Available Techniques (BATs), to achieve a high level of protection of the environment taken as a whole. This paper analyses the degree of implementation of the IPPC Directive in the dairy industry of Galicia, selecting 5 dairy industrial installations in the framework of the IPPC. The used methodology was proposed previously and applied for validation to the fish and seafood caning industry (Bello Bugallo et al., 2013). The environmental performance of these plants was analysed using, among others, the first environmental permits and taking into account the last modifications published in the official journal, as a source of information about the degree of implementation of the BAT and the associated emission levels. The results give an updated inventory of BAT for the dairy industry, the comparative between plants, the number of implemented BAT, the emissions and the overall environmental performance of each plant. The main conclusions indicate that the degree of implementation of BAT is, in general, quite poor especially those related to waste management. The 2 plants “theoretically” with the largest number of BAT implemented are the most pollutant ones (taken into account emissions). The reason is not that BATs are not effective but every plant has its particularities (age, the kind of fuel used, and so on) and therefore, each one has its own needs from an environmental point of view. Then BAT should be selected for the most pollutant flows, the so called Improvable Flows (IF). These IF must be identified previously with adequate tools, followed by the selection of the appropriate BATs from an updated inventory. This analysis could be extrapolated and applied to the rest of the installations of this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates the importance of a balanced approach to sustainable development through the analysis of needs-based workshops in Granada, a Spanish city hit hard by the recent economic crisis. The workshops followed Max-Neef's Human Scale Development proposal that highlights the interdependence of social, economic and environmental systems and stresses the centrality of participatory processes and human needs satisfaction. This understanding of human development aligns with the approach to sustainable development popularised by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, which called for the satisfaction of the needs of both current and future generations together with a balanced articulation of the social, economic and environmental dimensions of development. In practice, and even more so in times of economic crisis, governments are seen to prioritise the economic dimension over the environmental and the societal dimensions through their primary focus on policies to foster economic growth. However, people experiencing unemployment and poor economic prospects may not be in favour of this unbalanced, economic-driven approach. In Granada, participants in needs-based workshops did not emphasise the importance of economic prosperity and job creation when discussing policy goals and interventions to improve needs satisfaction. Economic interventions, such as providing universal coverage of basic needs, were seen as interdependent with personal and institutional transformations aimed at empowering workers and promoting citizen participation, and with environmental initiatives concerning the conservation of local natural spaces and the spread of urban gardening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the efficiency of rain-fed cereals crops grown in Southern Spain. The proposed approach uses a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) plus regression approach. In the first stage a Slacks-based Inefficiency (SBI) DEA model is used to project conventional and organic cropping systems onto the efficient frontier. The results of the efficiency analysis show that conventional production is more inefficient than organic production and that the main sources of inefficiency in the case of conventional production correspond to excessive input consumption and GHG emissions. In the case of organic production, the inefficiency comes from output shortfalls. It is shown that reducing inefficiency would reduce the amount of GHG emitted per unit of fresh matter yielded. This potential gain is more pronounced in the case of conventional production but also occurs for organic production. In the second stage, the crops efficiency scores are regressed against some exogenous variables using a fractional regression model. The regression results confirm that organic production significantly decreases inefficiency and they also indicate that the larger the farm, the larger the inefficiency and that growing barley is more inefficient than wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental sustainability in the wine sector has become a priority, as a result of both the growing interest in environmental issues and the consumer's demand for more information regarding the environmental impact of the products they purchase. In this context, the use of carbon footprint as an indicator to assess and report the environmental burdens associated with wine production has gained a role of primary interest. The present study has the aim of improving the wine sector's sustainability by providing inventory data on wine production systems from a total of 18 wineries located in major wine-producing regions in Spain and the South of France. The main novelty of this paper is: the corporate carbon footprint approach, the greater number of wineries studied, the diversity of location of those wineries, the detail of data presented and the identification of the best reference flow for vineyards. Data was statistically analysed. Vineyard consumptions are usually related to the area of cultivation. However, although 1 ha of vineyard or 1 kg of harvested grape could both be considered good reference flows for vineyard processes, this study shows a greater standard deviation of average data calculated per ha rather than per kg. Impact results show a major contribution of the winery phase to the corporate carbon footprint (73%), mainly due to glass production for bottling (45.6% contribution) and electricity consumption (9.2%). In the vineyard phase, contribution comes mainly from diesel production and combustion due to field works (11.3%) and the use of phytosanitary products (6.0%). The results revealed that with the establishment of best practices and with optimized resource consumption, the corporate carbon footprint values can be reduced by almost 25%. The comparative results presented can be used as a reference that will enable wineries to compare their impacts to the average, to identify in which aspects they are within the average and which aspects they are outside the average and whether these aspects are significant to their carbon footprint. This may encourage wineries to adopt measures for Eco-innovation through carbon emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, respect for the environment has been taken into account by tourists as a factor in their purchasing decisions. The concept of eco-innovation has gained an important role in adapting the tourism product to this new demand. Using a previous database already compiled by the authors, this paper has two aims: to address the effect of implementing environmental measures on labour productivity in the Andalusian hotel industry; and to show how its implementation has evolved during a period of deep economic crisis in all the productive sectors in Spain (2008–2012). For this purpose, the variable ei was defined as indicator by which to measure the eco-innovation and was introduced in a standard Cobb–Douglas production function. The two estimates of the production function for 2008 and 2012 show that the introduction of eco-innovative measures had a positive and significant influence on labour productivity, despite the fact of the economic crisis reduced the productivity growth observed for each additional eco-innovative practice implemented by the hotels from 8.15% in 2008–7.45% in 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years, much attention has been paid to the phenomenon of household food waste which largely contributes to the total amount of food waste generated in industrialised countries. The reduction of food waste has been also included within the European strategy of circular economy and ambitious objectives have been assigned to the European member states. Youths proved to be the segment of the population most inclined to waste food and therefore they need to be monitored. This exploratory study, based on a survey involving 380 youths residing in Italy and Spain, aims at investigating the complexities of food waste behaviour within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. By referring to the PLS-SEM approach, we analyse the validity of the relationships between individual habits, attitudes, addiction to marketing ploys and sales strategies, and attitudes towards food waste. It also aims at verifying the existence of mediator effects in order to better understand these relationships. The construction of the Importance Performance Matrix Analysis enables identification of the dimensions which greatly influence positive behaviour, and whether urgent attention and interventions are required. The results confirm that behavioural models are appropriate for explaining youths' behaviour towards food waste with an important role played by the perceived behavioural control. Situational factors which characterize the moment of purchase should be carefully considered and monitored. This paper concludes that marketing and sale strategies negatively influence the waste behaviour of individuals, emphasizing the important role of retailers in preventing the generation of food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different methodologies of education for sustainability have raised environmental awareness in schools. However, these studies have barely considered the effect of emotions in transforming students' environmental behaviour. This paper analyses how education for sustainability and environmental emotions affects students' sustainable behaviour in three secondary schools in Spain. Based on participatory learning methods, 215 students took part in a pilot project. Using structural equation modelling, a longitudinal study along the 2018 and 2019 were presented in the paper. Theoretical and empirical learning activities were designed by schools' board of directors and parent board with the effective collaboration of environmental companies near the three schools. Findings reveal the key role that emotions play in transforming students' environmental behaviour. • Students' emotions are triggered by learning experiences at school. • Achieving educational goals requires special social support from the academic community. • The research outcomes explain what role emotions play in shaping student's behaviour. • The prediction of the research model delineates future empirical research at school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of photovoltaics within the global energy market requires increasing use of land, a limited resource where different uses compete. In this respect, photovoltaic systems that combine electricity generation with land use for crops are becoming increasingly important. This article proposes an analytical model validated in an operating bifacial photovoltaic plant during the summer months. This analytical model considers view factors and heat transfer calculations, as well as an electrical model of the photovoltaic modules. A study was carried out on a commercial solar power plant (11.24 MWp) in Seville, southern Spain, where different vegetal species were planted in two strings, and string performance was monitored. Nine crop species with different irrigation and light requirements, offering different albedo parameters and thermal characteristics. The results show advantages from the point of view of module temperature and power gain. This paper provides regressions for the characterisation of the photovoltaic agricultural plant, with R2 higher than 85%, both for module temperature and energy exported in the string with crops. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in the agro-industry sector have shown the importance to evaluate the feasibility of an IBLC (a multi-product transformation plant). This paper develops a model to simulate the performance of an IBLC in Spain, using a combined approach: AHP, TOPSIS, and a hybrid simulation model. Results show that profits can be incremented by about 55.7% and environmental emissions of KgCO2e per tonne of bio-commodity produced, reduced by 24.2%. The scientific contribution covers the development of a simulation model that dynamically select suppliers based on a combination of social, environmental, and economic criteria. In addition, the model can be used to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of the IBLC by integrating the suppliers selection with the operations of a multi-product transformation plant. [Display omitted] • We provide a list of criteria that are relevant to choose suppliers of wheat. • We introduce the concept of ÍBLC and test its economic feasibility. • We develop an approach to integrate AHP and TOPSIS in a simulation environment. • We show, based on a case study in Spain, that the IBLC can be profitably run. • Profits increase by 55% while KgCO2e emissions reduces by 24.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine is the main economic resource in the 'Area of Jerez', located in the south of Spain. It is one of the most important wine tourism destinations in the world. However, its sustainable production process, so strongly influenced by climatic conditions, can be clearly affected by the phenomenon of global warming. The ageing process of "Sherry wine" takes place in buildings known as 'Cathedral warehouses', an example of Nearly-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs). For centuries, they have been used to provide specific ecological conditions for biological ageing without any type of mechanical heating/cooling system. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of climate change on this production model. For this, the annual thermal behavior of a representative winery was monitored during several years. The first energy simulation model of this type of buildings was developed and validated (daily R2 = 99%; hourly R2 = 97%). Finally, the model was simulated by modifying the outdoor climatic conditions (9 years training data sets) for a climate change scenario, applying the 'morphing' method for the transformation of the weather data. The results show that, by the middle of this century, the average outdoor temperature will increase by 2.3 °C (in summer up to 3.6 °C). As a consequence, the temperature in the ageing zone would exceed the comfort limit for 19% of the year, (up to 34% in hot years). For 2080, the prediction is even worse (average value of 27%). As a result, the microorganisms responsible for this unique process could not maintain their activity. This fact will force the sector to face a harsh reconversion through the adoption of new mechanisms and strategies, which endangers the economic sustainability of an entire region dedicated to this practice. Beyond the specific case, the work highlights the need to evaluate the future behavior of NZEBs through simulation. [Display omitted] • Assess the impact of climate change in a Near Zero Energy Building. • "Cathedral warehouses" will lose their usefulness by the middle of this century. • Comfort limits will be exceeded 19% of the year, interrupting biological ageing. • The economic sustainability of an entire region would be endangered. • The need to evaluate the future behavior of Near Zero Energy Building is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation and comparative analyses of energy conversion technologies are carried out with well-established concepts, like the concept of efficiency. Today, however, new technologies based on renewable energy sources challenge conventional approaches. Accounting for fuel diversity and other inequalities can ensure that comparative analyses result in trustworthy results. This paper aims to address this issue by updating conventional efficiency for more accurate comparative evaluations of fossil fuel energy systems. Specifically, the concept of total efficiency is introduced to account for extraction, processing and transportation of fossil fuels, aspects that are not currently considered in the conventional definition of efficiency. The total efficiency is determined by studying the environmental impacts of these processes and quantifying their energy requirements in terms of additional fossil fuel use. Two case studies in Spain are presented to demonstrate the impact of using the developed method on efficiency estimates. The total efficiency is found to be lower than the convectional efficiency by 21–25% to up to 41%, in the most unfavorable cases. This shows the significant impact of the preparation steps of fossil fuels and represents a fairer comparison between fossil fuels and renewable conversion processes. • Introducing total efficiency for more accurate comparative evaluations of energy systems. • Total efficiency accounts for extraction, processing, and transportation of fossil fuels. • The developed method links environmental impacts to additional fuel input. • Fuel processing decreases the efficiencies of fossil power plants significantly. • Updated tools, like total efficiency, are necessary to achieve future energy sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is to select the best locations to build solar photovoltaic farms (large grid-connected photovoltaic systems which have more than 100 kW p of installed capacity), with the coast of Murcia in the southeast of Spain being used as an example. In order to solve the problem, the suitable locations to implant such facilities will be identified by a Geographical Information System (GIS). To obtain the weights of the criteria which influence the proposed problem, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) will be employed. Then, the suitable locations will be evaluated and classified using two different multi-criteria decision methods, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and ELimination and Choice Expressing Reality (ELECTRE), in this case the version TRI. We are thus also able to establish a comparison between the two methods. This comparison demonstrates how although the results do not completely coincide, some similarity can be seen between the two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy performance certificate databases are a key tool for mapping national building stock and thus fostering greater overall energy efficiency. This paper presents an insight into the energy performance of residential and tertiary sector buildings in Spain, through an analysis of the first 129,635 energy performance certificates issued for existing buildings, collected by the Catalan Institute of Energy. Most of the residential buildings or building units that were studied were “E” class (53.6%). Single-family houses were found to use more energy on average (248.0 kWh p /m 2 ) than individual dwellings (183.2 kWh p /m 2 ). Tertiary sector buildings were found to have slightly better energy performance (26.4% of buildings were rated “D class”), with an average energy consumption of 317.8 kWh p /m 2 . Modern buildings consume less energy, as they must meet the higher energy performance requirements stated in thermal building regulations. Residential buildings or building units located in hotter climate zones consume slightly less energy than those located in colder zones, mainly because heating accounts for a high percentage of overall energy expenditure (70–75% in residential buildings). A significant proportion of the energy consumed in tertiary sector buildings is for lighting (37.2%). This research defines the current energy consumption baseline of existing buildings in Spain. The results can help to prioritize energy conservation efforts according to building type, construction period, climate zone and specific end-uses. They may also help public authorities to plan future energy policies, and construction practitioners to identify market segments and business strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental degradation due to polluting industrial complexes constitutes a relevant issue for local community. Most studies focus on the negative externalities, in terms of pollution, of these industrial complexes, although some research has also explored the economic benefits of these installations and the harm their closure can inflict on the local economy. In the context of a petrochemical complex located in Castellón (Spain), the present paper analyses how residents' cognitive appraisal of the economic and environmental aspects leads to their affective responses, and how both elements – cognitive and affective – jointly explain their behavioural intention. The proposed hypotheses are tested on a sample of 992 individuals. The results confirm that cognitive appraisals, directly and by means of the affective response, have a significant influence on the residents' behavioural intention towards their place of residence. The findings also show that affective response has a higher impact than cognitive response and, additionally, that environmental aspects play a more important role than economic ones. Furthermore, the relationship between affects and behavioural intention has a greater weight among citizens who live closest to the petrochemical complex. Implications for firms' and public authorities' environmental management are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assets under management involved in socially responsible investing almost trebled from 2007 to 2011 in Europe, led by pension funds. Such growth has encouraged the implementation of socially responsible activities by companies, which have improved their cleaner production methods in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, total water used, energy consumption and waste generated, among others. Integrating environmental, social and governance policies for cleaner production into the investment strategy of pension plans could increase their cost deriving from the screening process and/or increase the benefits, because socially responsible companies in which pension funds invest might achieve a better financial performance than traditional companies, which could in turn affect pension plans' financial performance. For this reason, the aim of this paper is two-fold: firstly, to examine the financial performance of Spanish pension plans compared to market benchmarks taking into account the category to which they belong, and the socially responsible business strategy implemented by the manager; and secondly, to analyze whether differences in financial performance exist between solidarity pension plans, ethical pension plans and traditional pension plans. To do this, we have a sample of 651 individual system pension plans. Using these sample data, we implement the robust random effects panel data methodology. The results show that ethical pension plans, which invest in companies that improve their cleaner production methods, achieve a similar financial performance to conventional pension plans, while solidarity pension plans significantly outperform conventional pension plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability issues in higher educational institutions have attracted increasing levels of attention from both the public and policy makers in recent decades. A number of previous studies have called for a more comprehensive integration of sustainable development into mainstream university operations and curricula. However, there is a lack of sufficient studies that investigate sustainable development in higher education in Spain. Therefore, the present paper has two goals: First, the study analyses the extent to which Spanish universities have implemented sustainability practices in their institutions. To accomplish this task, data were collected using a survey distributed to rectors and senior management at Spanish higher education institutions. The second goal is to examine the main factors that might explain the implementation of sustainability practices in Spanish universities. For this purpose, Pearson chi-square tests were used to analyse the data collected in the survey. Key findings show the slow rate of progress of many Spanish universities with regard to implementing sustainability practices, a fact which could indicate that there are clearly a number of obstacles to overcome. Additionally, there were no factors influencing the implementation of sustainability practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock farming has been traditionally assessed by its economic figures, whereas the impact caused by their production models on the environment and on society have been largely disregarded. This paper analyses various organic cattle farming systems from the point of view of their technical-economic management, but also on the environmental impact caused by their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Within this context, 34 organic meat cattle dehesa farms located in the southwest of Spain were studied. On the one hand, a principal component analysis devised four factors that explained the technical-economic management model of these farms in terms of their level of dependence on subsidies, production intensification, feeding practices and productivity. The farms were then divided into three clusters whose main differences came from the size of the farms, the intensification level and the joint rearing of cattle with other livestock species. On the other hand, GHG emissions and carbon sequestration levels for each of these clusters were calculated using the life cycle assessment methodology. The average GHG net emissions from the farms were 461.98 kg of CO 2 eq per ha (or 8.86 kg of CO 2 eq per kg of live weight of sold animal), with the largest and more extensive farms reporting 262.05 kg of CO 2 eq per ha (or 6.02 kg of CO 2 eq per kg of live weight of sold animal) and the smallest and more intensive farms resulting in as much as 697.49 kg of CO 2 eq per ha (or 11.18 kg of CO 2 eq per kg of live weight of sold animal). One of the most significant aspects of the study was the carbon sequestration capacity of dehesa extensive farms, which allowed these livestock systems to be in line with the preservation of the natural resources, animal welfare and the provision of ecosystem services. [Display omitted] • Sustainability of organic livestock farms is at risk due to low profitability. • C storage is a key ecosystem service of livestock systems to fight climate change. • Carbon sequestration in LCA reduces net emissions on extensive organic beef farms. • Livestock management on extensive organic farms improves climate change adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular Economy (CE) implementation is considered an instrumental strategy to help reaching the world's resource, energy, and climate mitigation targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. However, major barriers must be overcome to facilitate CE implementation in industry such as cultural, market, regulatory and technological considerantions (Kirchherr et al., 2018). Improving management systems within industrial companies is crucial when implementing effective CE solutions in compliance with existing industrial standards such as quality and environmental management systems. However, it is not yet common practice yet due to the lack of standardized, suitable, and easy-to-use supporting analytical tools. This paper attempts to fill this gap by presenting Industrial Circular Economy Questionnaire (ICEQ) , a self-diagnosis questionnaire built upon the revision of industrial harmonized standards and, academic literature on business-level CE assessment tools. ICEQ , compiling a set of 165 questions for company self-CE assessment, was applied to 30 industrial companies belonging to 17 economic sectors (automotive, machining and metalworking transformation, waste management, machine tool, etc.) in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC) in Spain. The automotive sector stands out with 70% of circularity while Machining and metalworking transformation only has 34%, showing that the automotive sector is more conscious of CE since they must comply with End-of-Life Vehicles (EoLV) legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing social concern about the protection and improvement of the environment has transformed environmental commitment into a new strategic via channel through which to achieve competitiveness in firms. Nevertheless, to date, limited research on this subject has focused on small and medium enterprises. This study addresses this gap by shedding light on the relationship between environmental commitment and business performance as well as their relationship with two other strategic variables: relational marketing and image. From a sample of 481 small and medium firms in Southern Spain and using structural equation modelling, different cause–effect relations were analysed. The results suggest that environmental performance has a positive, direct and significant influence on competitive performance as well as the mediating effects of image and relational marketing. In this regard, this paper offers new empirical evidence of how firms that improve their environmental engagement generate a positive interaction with their stakeholders. An improved environmental performance encourages the appearance of positive reactions for any company's image and its competitiveness. Some of these environmental practices are provided according to their strategic relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental innovation has been discussed from different approaches in the last decade, due to its increasing importance for business competitiveness and as an engine for the economic development of a country, especially in recessionary economic phases. However, the study of the factors that hinder the achievement of environmental innovations has been largely neglected. This paper focuses on the obstacles facing firms involved in environmental innovations and how they still manage to achieve these innovations. The data used comes from the Community Innovation Survey (CIS) conducted in Spain in the year 2012, while the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and binary logistic regression are the statistical techniques used. The findings show that the obstacles that companies involved in environmental innovations face are greater and different to those faced by companies which are not involved in them. Consequently, environmental innovation requires different action plans from those for non-environmental innovation; these actions include public funding, and cooperation, as well as other specific support measures. This research provides a systematic framework for environmental innovation and the ways to overcome the barriers to this innovation. Thereby supplying a roadmap for the creation of an innovation system that constitutes a favourable context for overcoming these obstacles, thus bringing about the success of the environmental innovation process through certain critical factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]