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Biohythane, the promising gaseous biofuel, can be produced by the recirculated two-phase anaerobic digestion (R-TPAD). The effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) as 30, 20 and 10 days on biohythane production via R-TPAD (recirculation ratio = 0.4) was investigated with co-digestion of food waste and paper waste. The results showed that HRTs of 30 and 20 days maintained stable performance for R-TPAD but HRT of 10 days led to the final decrease in biogas production. The failure in the end was attributed to the wash-out of microbes. The removal efficiencies for COD and carbohydrates were decreased by short HRTs while for VS it remained relatively stable at about 75.7 ± 4.0%. All through the operation, acidogenic phase and methanogenic phase were separated stably and butyrate pathway was the dominant pathway for hydrogen fermentation in the first stage. The microbial community in the first stage reached the highest diversity when total HRT was 20 days, where the hydrogen production rate was the highest. The genera Lactobacillus and Caproiciproducens kept dominating the dark fermentation in the acidogenic phase, and Ruminococcus and Methanosarcina were decreasing in the methanogenic phase. The biohythane yields were 411 mL/g-VS fed , 332 mL/g-VS fed and 253 mL/g-VS fed , respectively, where the H 2 contents were 18.4%, 14.7% and 8.8%, respectively. [Display omitted] • The R-TPAD system (R = 0.4) was operated for biohythane production. • R-TPAD operated under HRTs of 30 and 20 maintained stable performance. • Organic removals and biohythane yields were lowered by short HRTs. • Different microbial communities were identified by co-occurrence network. • Biohythane yields affected by different parameters were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collection, as the first stage of the recycling process, and pre-processing to increase waste stream purity constitute key operations for achieving high recycling rates and a closed loop in the circular economy. For wastepaper recycling in Hong Kong, it is the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector that plays a central role in both stages. This study analyses the so far little explored SFIR stakeholder network in Hong Kong and sheds light on value chains, recovered waste paper quantities and the impact of policies on the sector. The findings show that SFIR stakeholders reclaim 55.6 t/recycling station/month of wastepaper and thereby achieve about a 5.7 times higher reclaim rate than the formal-private recycling system. Critical to this achievement is the SFIR transaction network, which enables its stakeholders to develop a value chain and thereby generate an added value of around 1900 HKD (243.9 USD/t) for wastepaper. Given limited circular structures in Hong Kong, financial subsidies are critical to sustain the SFIR's operations over the short-term. However, over the long-term legalization and integration of its stakeholders are necessary to ensure an economically and socially sustainable wastepaper recovery system in Hong Kong. [Display omitted] • Qualitative & quantitative analysis of the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector. • The SFIR's wastepaper value chain achieves a cumulative added value of 1900 HKD/t. • The SFIR recovered 5.7 times higher capacities than the formal system in 2021. • Financial support can enhance the SFIR sector's recovery capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economies have become a strong candidate for addressing environmental challenges by managing end-of-life products to reduce landfill waste. We herewith focus on the recycling of PET from plastic waste and textiles. This paper focuses on recycling PET from plastic waste and textiles and proposes a model for controlling plant operations, emphasizing Quality-Based Changeovers over cleaning to ensure production continuity. This paper also identifies technological and managerial challenges in PET recycling plants as raised in the related literature, such as the need for technology improvement, more effective collection routes and sorting processes, and devoted managerial strategies. Since a relevant industrial need is to manage the changeovers, we develop a model to control the operative management of the plant and to find the feedstock quality to be processed at a given time for profit maximization. A discrete event simulation model is built to represent the behavior of the system under an approximate state-based control policy, i.e. a two-threshold policy. Numerical results and sensitivity analysis highlight the impact of cleaning costs on system behavior, offering insights into optimal operational conditions. • Highlighting the challenges of recycling and circular economies by systematic literature search. • Managing a PET recycling plant by controlling production processes with varying quality feedstocks. • Decision-making regarding product variant selection and system reconfiguration. • Quality-Based Changeovers as a means to ensure production continuity. • Insights into conditions favorable to operational optimality with a simulation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the market size of all materials and products presently produced from (organic) carbon and we present a method to estimate the intrinsic recycling potential of these materials/chemicals as a function of their respective applications. The method is based on the expert assessment of a number of variables that are important within the different application categories and markets of the carbon-based materials/chemicals. Applying the method, the paper presents the recycling potential of all carbon-based products. Following, an estimation of the amount of new products that can be produced each year through recycling of discarded products is presented and the amount of carbon that needs to come from other sustainable sources to fulfil our demand for new products is calculated. We distinguish nine different categories of (organic) carbon-based materials/chemicals: plastics, textile fibres, thermoset resins, rubbers, surfactants, solvents, fine chemicals, paper/board and wood products. Within these nine categories the most important materials/chemicals types were taken into account. Fossil-based and bio-based materials/chemicals were assessed separately. For each of the materials/chemicals types, the market size in terms of mass (Mt) was calculated for the main applications in which they are applied. Next, for all materials/chemicals types in these applications, the maximum recycling potential, in case mechanical or physical recycling methods are applied, was assessed, using an expert panel. Also, inevitable leakage of materials/chemicals in the different applications was assessed. Finally, the amount of feedstock coming from recycling streams that may be made available for chemical recycling or carbon capture and utilisation technologies was derived. From this, the magnitude of carbon-based materials/chemicals that need to be replaced each year by other renewable feedstock than recycled content in terms of Mton carbon was calculated. The analysis is relevant in view of implementation of a circular economy and reuse and recycling of materials, to combat depletion of raw materials. Next, it is relevant in view of phasing out fossil-feedstock to combat climate change. Our analysis indicates that the recycling potential of carbon-based materials and products through mechanical or physical methods lies around 50%, even in a system that is fully optimised for recycling. Chemical recycling and carbon capture and utilisation may provide another 25% of the renewable-carbon feedstock needed, but they generally require far more energy and other inputs to produce new materials and chemicals than the mechanical and physical recycling methods. The remaining demand for renewable-carbon feedstock thus needs to come from either biomass or CO 2 through carbon capture and utilisation technologies. Based on our findings, we argue that the composition of our present carbon-based products pool needs to be redesigned on a fundamental molecular level, towards material types that contain more oxygen. Carbon-based materials that contain more oxygen generally can be recycled more efficiently, and are also easier to produce from the alternative feedstocks biomass and CO 2 through CCU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water removal during paper manufacturing is of primary importance to production rate and cost efficiency for the pulp and paper industry. It is crucial to develop methods to reduce energy consumption by increasing the percent solids in the paper web entering the dryers from the presses. This research aimed to develop a fundamental understanding of the effect of bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatments on a bleached softwood fiber matrix and evaluate the impact on the percent solids of the paper web after pressing. Experiments included enzymatic, refining, and cationic polymer pretreatments on the bleached softwood pulps, followed by laboratory papermaking and determining the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) after pressing and the pulp and paper properties. The combined effect of mild refining, controlled enzymatic pretreatments, and cationic strength aids proved to enhance the water removal during wet pressing (up to 35 % reduction) and increase paper strength (up to 60 % increase). The results of increased solids after pressing were used to calculate the potential reduction in drying energy during paper manufacturing. Energy savings of around 10 % for paper drying could be achieved through fiber matrix modification by bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatment. Enzymatic pretreatments have previously been conventionally applied before refining as an energy-saving method. However, this research shows that synergistic actions of enzymes added after refining modify the fibers and create the optimal conditions for enhancement in drainage, press dewatering, and paper properties. [Display omitted] • Enzyme-assisted fiber modifications improve press dewatering and paper strength. • Enzyme blends can enhance fiber cell wall flexibility and fibrillation. • Synergistically, enzymes increased ∼35% press dewatering and ∼60% tensile strength. • Enzymes, mild refining, and cationic biopolymers enhance paper process efficiency. • This research introduces alternative methods for decarbonizing the paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial alkaline battery recycling process produces an organic fraction (OF) consisting of waste paper, plastic and cardboard. Currently, this OF is used for energy recovery, given the absence of a successful alternative recycling approach, attributed to its contamination and limited economic value. This study explored the valorisation of the organic fraction derived from the recycling of alkaline batteries as a foaming agent in the production of lightweight expanded clay aggregates (LECAs). The OF, was mixed with red stoneware atomized paste (RSAP) in varying proportions (5–30 wt%) and fired at temperatures between 1000 and 1200 °C. The volumetric expansion, density, and compressive strength of the resulting aggregates were determined via mineralogical and microstructural characterization. The results indicate the organic fraction's suitability as an expansion agent, particularly at 1200 °C with 5–15 wt% inclusion, showcasing density (0.65–0.75 g/cm3) and compressive strength (1.34–1.39 MPa) comparable to commercial expanded clays. The microstructural analysis revealed the formation of rounded pores, influenced by the firing temperature and OF content. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) compared the environmental impacts of this process with traditional LECA manufacturing, highlighting the potential environmental benefits of using recycled battery waste. This study marks the first incorporation of this battery waste residue into LECA manufacturing, providing valuable insights into its environmental implications and paving the way for sustainable waste management practices. [Display omitted] • Organic fraction of alkaline industrial battery recycling enhances clay expansion. • It is a viable additive for manufacturing lightweight expanded clay aggregates. • First-time inclusion of this type of residue in lightweight aggregates manufacturing. • Life Cycle Assessment shows light variations in most impact categories. • Notable enhancements in alkaline battery recycling efficiency could be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upcycling agroindustry residues into new valuable products is a strategy for mitigating environmental impacts while increasing material circularity. In this study, two sizes of eggshell particles (D 90 = 7.1 μm (ESAJ) and D 90 = 16.3 μm (ESBU)) were obtained and their incorporation as fillers into biodegradable pectin/starch film was evaluated. The effect of the presence of eggshell particles (2–8 w/w%) on the structural and morphological aspects, water barrier, and mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of the biocomposites was evaluated and then the reinforced film was applied on the surface of kraft paper. The release of calcium in an acidic solution was inverse to the size and concentration of particles and the released íon may contribute to the crosslinking of pectin. The incorporation of only 2 % eggshell resulted in 42% lower solubility of the film. The eggshell-reinforced films proved to be more opaque and rigid. The addition of 6% ESAJ significantly improved the tensile strength (an increase of 32%), modulus of elasticity (an increase of 29.7%), and water vapor barrier (59% of improvement). DSC analysis suggests that the calcium from the eggshell interacts with the pectin polymeric structure, reducing the sites available for water molecules, which may have caused more mobility of the chains through the matrix. The reinforced pectin/starch film was very well adhered to the kraft paper in the application test by continuous casting, but the coated paper showed no improvement in oil and water resistance, which means that other coating processes need to be explored. • Eggshell was used as a reinforcing filler material in pectin/starch film. • Eggshell particles were well adhered to the matrix. • The eggshell powder had improved the water resistance of the pectin/starch film. • The addition of 6% eggshell had increased the film's tensile strength in 32%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under carbon cap-and-trade regulation, to control carbon emissions and improve the recycling efficiency of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from the traditional offline recycling channel, more enterprises attempt to simultaneously combine the online recycling platform with the digital transformation of the supply chain. Based on a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with dual recycling channels and considering recycling advertising invested both in offline and online recycling channels, this paper attempts to explore the optimal recycling advertising mode which can both achieve economic and environmental performance under cap-and-trade regulation. Therefore, game models including a manufacturer and above either recycler are established, which are respectively correspond to four recycling advertising modes: manufacturer cooperates with neither recycler (MO mode), manufacturer only cooperates with the offline retailer (MR mode), manufacturer only cooperates with the online recycling platform (MT mode), and manufacturer cooperates with either recycler (MRT mode). Consequently, this paper solves the optimal decisions of the tripartite and focuses on the analysis of the impact of cooperative (competitive) recycling advertising under cap-and-trade regulation. By comparing the profits and total carbon emissions of the whole CLSC under four recycling advertising modes, the results indicate that: cooperative advertising between the manufacturer and two recyclers can achieve economic and environmental performance for the whole CLSC if the free-riding phenomenon occurs in recycling advertising. Otherwise, influenced by competitive recycling advertising, the above mode turns to the suboptimal one for the profits of two recyclers and the total carbon emissions of the CLSC. Moreover, driven by economic benefits, cooperative advertising will eventually become a consensus, but the total carbon emissions may not always be the least. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of CaO for lime-based plaster and render generates 1.2 t CO 2 /t CaO, consumes 1.78 t CaCO 3 /t CaO. This research paper examines the environmental and economic performance of upcycling paper mill sludge (PMS) and carbide lime (CL) as replacements for hydrated lime (HL) in lime-based plasters production. For this, a new Cradle-to-Gate industrial-scale inventory is designed, upscaling recent lab-scale innovations, investigating PMS and CL treatment processes, followed by a Cradle-to-Grave scenario analysis. The results show that incorporating CL in the plaster yields better environmental and economic outcomes compared to PMS. The intermediate treatment for CL is cost-effective and has low carbon emissions. The upcycling of CL eliminates 100% of CO 2 emissions, while PMS reduces emissions by 11%. The production of the traditional binder HL is more expensive than upcycling PMS (+69%) and CL (+65%), with carbon taxes accounting for 35%, 44% and 15% of production costs, respectively. The effect of an equilibrated carbon price to ensure fair market competition, considering the natural carbonation of lime (carbon credit) is discussed, and the cost assessment reveals a 47% and 54% reduction for upcycled plasters using PMS and CL, respectively, compared to traditional HL. [Display omitted] • Availability, properties, and treatments of secondary lime resources. • Industrial-scale inventory for upcycling carbide lime (CL) & paper sludge (PS). • Cradle-to-Grave assessment: CL reduces CO 2 most, trailed by PS and hydrated lime. • Key factors for Cradle-to-Grave impact: lime kiln heat consumption (PS) and drying operation (CL). • Cost analysis of carbon taxes and credits across the material's life-cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ecological Footprint (EF) model is an effective tool for determining the resource consumption demand of human activities and whether natural assets are overutilized. The EF calculation method has certain theoretical and methodological importance for low-carbon campus construction. With the development of science and technology, some parameters in traditional EF calculation methods need to be modified. Based on the definition of fossil energy land and the latest average grain yield, this paper revised the calculation parameters of the EF method in six aspects: absorbed gas, electricity, agricultural products, aquatic products, livestock products, and paper. This paper applied the calculation method before and after improvement to Henan Polytechnic University. The EF of the campus according to calculations was 28,358.41 gha, and the per capita EF was 0.657 gha/person using the improved calculation method. Compared with the unimproved method, the improved method resulted in a substantial decrease in EFs, which can be explained by three reasons. First, the fossil energy land was divided into forestland and pasture land. Second, the average yield was recalculated using the latest statistical database of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Finally, the utilization of waste pulp in the paper industry was considered. The calculated results were also analyzed and compared with those of other universities, Worldwide Fund for Nature and Enhancing Universities'Sustainability Teaching and Practices through Ecological Footprint. The improved calculation results can better reflect the actual situation of the campus, improve the rationality of EF calculation, and provide a reference for EF at the campus level. Accordingly, the current situation of campus resource consumption can be explained, further providing a basis for proposing an EF reduction scheme for green campus construction. [Display omitted] • Some parameters have been modified in the improved ecological footprint calculation method. • The fossil energy land was divided into forestland and pasture land in the improved calculation method. • The latest average grain yield used in the improved calculation method. • The calculated results were analyzed and compared with those of WWF and EUSTEPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the new round of technology revolution and lithium-ion batteries decommissioning tide, how to efficiently recover the valuable metals in the massively spent lithium iron phosphate batteries and regenerate cathode materials has become a critical problem of solid waste reuse in the new energy industry. In this paper, we review the hazards and value of used lithium iron phosphate batteries and evaluate different recycling technologies in recent years from the perspectives of process feasibility, environment, and economy, including traditional processes such as mechanical milling, magnetic separation, and flotation, as well as pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. This paper also introduces the highly promising salt electrolysis and direct regeneration restoration technologies, and we pay special attention to simple and efficient new methods for lithium replenishment restoration, which will provide new insights for a wide range of researchers to implement in-depth experiments. • Comprehensive introduction to LFP characteristics and mainstream recycling methods. • LFP regeneration and Li supplementation are clearly categorized, breaking ambiguity. • Clarify the roles, advantages and links of pyro- and hydro-metallurgy in recycling. • Highly summarizes the current direction of lithium-ion battery improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding a growing scholarly interest in stakeholder governance, the issue of how stakeholder governance can motivate a firm's stakeholders to cooperate to the transition to circular economy (CE) is still underdeveloped. This study intends to contribute to advance knowledge in this field by investigating the comparative effectiveness of three stakeholder governance forms – hub-and-spoke, lead role, and shared governance – to motivate stakeholders of a focal company (FC) to cooperate to the development and implementation of circular business models. Drawing on three case studies of Italian companies engaged in the transition to CE, we propose a contingent model of CE stakeholder governance. We found that the most effective stakeholder governance form at FC level depends on CE boundaries, the attitude of market forces to incentivise stakeholder cooperation to the CE, and the owners' identity of the FC. We also found that a FC can adopt different stakeholder governance forms for the diverse CE-enhancing projects it has undertaken, appropriately tailoring the governance arrangements to the nature of activities of each project and to the value, uniqueness, and complementarities of the resources held by the stakeholders involved. This papers makes both theoretical and practical contributions. From a theoretical point of view, it advances knowledge at the intersection of stakeholder theory and governance of the CE in two main ways: first, by pointing out that the transition to the CE requires a shift from a perspective of a company responsibility to its stakeholders to that of stakeholders' responsibility to a company, a supply chain or a local community they belong to. Second, by proposing some conditions under which shared forms of stakeholder governance are likely to foster this transition. From a pratical perspective, this paper suggests how stakeholder governance can be a tool to achieve CE targets at local community, industry, supply chain or individual firm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative environmental management across regions is becoming an increasingly significant development trend. Spatial spillover effects of pollution and competitive interactions of local governments under fiscal decentralisation may result in direct or indirect spatial association of environmental protection expenditure (EPE). To explore the spatial association, this paper examines the spatial spillovers of environmental protection expenditure within neighbouring Chinese provinces from 1998 to 2020. In addition, to take a broader regional perspective, we employ a modified gravity model to construct a spatial association network covering all 30 provinces. The research finds that: (1) There are significant positive spatial spillover effects of EPE. (2) The sub-regional estimation of SAR models suggests that the spillover effects are still positive in the relative economic backward provinces, whereas the governments in the high-quality economic regions tend to "free-rider". (3) The spatial association of EPE in each province shows a relatively stable network structure pattern. (4) The high-quality economic provinces of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Beijing and Zhejiang are at the centre of the network with strong spatial association. Based on the clarification of spillover effects, this paper reveals the roles of provinces in the spatial association network, which can inform governments to develop differentiated environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the primary policymaker and implementer, the government plays an essential role in driving regional green transformation development (GTD). The study of the impact mechanisms of government environmental attention (GEA) on GTD can offer a scientific basis and reference for policy-making and regional governance. However, the varying focus of local governments on environmental issues and the externalities of environmental governance underscore the complexities in the influence of GEA on GTD. This paper proposes a method that integrates multi-source data to explore the impact of GEA on GTD from a spatiotemporal perspective. A text mining framework is first proposed to provide a more accurate measurement of the GEA, and the geographically and temporally weighted regression model is used to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristic and mechanism of GEA's impact. Additionally, the spatial correlation effect is explored based on the gravity model. The results indicate that the level of GTD in China demonstrates an increasing trend with an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 3.22%, while the variance between provinces is also increasing. GEA has a significant positive effect on GTD (R 2 = 0.866), with an average growth rate of 18.1% following the implementation of major environmental policies. The spatial distribution pattern of GEA's impact shows the characteristics of "central > eastern > western > northeastern". GEA promotes GTD by increasing environmental governance expenditure and enhancing public environmental services, while the transmission pathway of promoting green innovation has not yet worked. The spatial correlation and spillover effects of GEA have shown an overall increasing trend, with the AAGR of 8.92% in the gravity value. Inter-provincial cooperation can promote GTD, and certain collaborative clusters among provinces have been formed. This paper provides novel insights into the theoretical connection between GEA and GTD. The research findings can serve as a reference for the government to propose targeted policies for promoting regional green transformation. [Display omitted] • A text mining framework is proposed to quantify government environmental attention. • The impact of government environmental attention shows spatiotemporal heterogeneity. • Government investment and public services on environment have a mediating effect. • The impact of government environmental attention exhibits spatial correlation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangroves, as a crucial coastal ecosystem, possess significant carbon sink functions and play a key role in mitigating global climate change. This paper, based on the Zhanjiang Mangrove Afforestation Project in Guangdong, explores the development mechanisms and economic and ecological benefits of mangrove carbon sink projects through the lens of collective action theory and system dynamics modeling. The study finds that the primary reason for the unsustainable progression of mangrove carbon sink projects is the lack of intrinsic motivation among local villagers to engage in collective action. By constructing a system dynamics model, this paper quantifies the long-term impacts of mangrove carbon sink projects on local socio-economic welfare and proposes policy optimization recommendations. These recommendations include expanding income sources for local villagers, establishing carbon trading and ecological compensation mechanisms, and involving international non-governmental organizations. The findings of this study not only provide guidance for mangrove carbon sink projects in China but also offer valuable insights for the promotion of similar projects globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the backdrop of rapid digitalization growth and deep integration with the real economy, companies are faced with more extensive and complex social responsibilities. Based on the data of 1178 A-share listed companies in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen markets from 2014 to 2021, this study empirically analyses the impact of regional digitalization on corporate ESG performance by constructing a double-difference model using the establishment of China's National Pilot Zone for the Innovative Development of the Digital Economy. This paper found that regional digital construction can improve corporate ESG performance by enhancing corporate environmental information disclosure, improving the scale of social donations, and enhancing risk resilience. In addition, the higher the level of public environmental concern in the region, the more obvious the enhancement of digital construction on corporate ESG performance. The contribution of regional digital construction to corporate ESG is also stronger in firms with high executive environmental awareness than in those with low. At the same time, this paper also responds to some scholars' questioning of corporate ESG by verifying that corporate ESG report disclosure is motivated by corporate sustainability rather than self-impression management from the dimensions of corporate management's manipulation of information and the corporate's actual environmental behavior. This paper enriches the research on the impact of the external digital environment on corporate ESG performance. It is of great significance for developing countries to promote the active participation of enterprises in ESG practices through the opportunity of digital development. [Display omitted] • A review of differentiated studies on the impact of digitization on ESG performance. • Regional digitization can contribute to corporate ESG performance. • Environmental information disclosure, the scale of social donations, and risk resilience are the mechanisms. • Refutes the idea that corporate ESG performance stems from impression management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The path to electrification of the informal and organic transport sector – minibus taxis in South Africa's case – is fraught with challenges. These stem mainly from shorter ranges and slower re-energising of electric vehicles, compounded by their unscheduled nature and day-variant routing. However, the transformation also presents opportunities for improving infrastructure and vehicle utilisation. Planning for electrification becomes a complex spatio-temporal interdependence between mobility, infrastructure (civil and electrical), vehicle specifics, and driver behaviour. This paper evaluates two scenarios using mixed fleet analysis: (1) striving to achieve the same mobility patterns with equal-sized electric vehicles and (2) scheduling for passenger demand, which was extracted from existing mobility patterns. The paper's main contributions lie in a proposed method to bridge the gap between these two scenarios through trip extraction, as well as introducing the concept of mixed fleets as a way to achieve electrification in the paratransit industry. The results show that using passenger demand to place the charging infrastructure and schedule the vehicles and their charging, results in a reduced number of vehicles, a higher proportion of electric vehicles in the fleet, a reduced number of chargers required, a reduced grid impact, and only a fractional increase in total fleet distance covered. Consequently, we propose to leverage the transformational opportunity presented by electrification to structure sub-Saharan Africa's paratransit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graph theory (GT) has become an indispensable tool for exploring environmental interconnections and elucidating ecological relationships. The integration of GT with Ecological network analysis (ENA) has been increasingly recognised for its potential to enhance our understanding of ecological systems. However, the application of GT in ENA faces several limitations that warrant closer examination. This paper aims to investigate these challenges through a systematic review, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review encompasses 329 selected articles published from January 2014 to December 2021, highlighting GT's uptake in ENA but also pinpointing significant challenges. The review reveals that while GT offers flexibility in analysing different ecological networks (ENs), challenges exist related to understanding landscape dynamics, the accuracy of measurement scale, species-specific data, and reliability. Specially, the use of nodes and links presents definitional and measurement complexities, compounded by an overwhelming variety of indicators that may dilute analytical precision. The paper advocates for the development of frameworks to conceptualise ideal and sustainable ENs and to establish indicators for assessing network efficacy. Future research must tackle these methodological hurdles, with a special focus on refining measurement scale, species-specific data, spatio-temporal considerations, and node and link assessment for different species, while ensuring reliability. Additionally, the potential of GT to mitigate the impact of ecological threats is underscored as a critical area for future applications. Addressing these challenges is imperative for advancing GT's contribution to ENA and fostering more effective environmental conservation strategies. • Graph theory is adaptable for analysing structural and functional ecological networks. • Accuracy of graph theory usage in ecological network analysis depends on key factors. • Integrating diverse data sources enhances ecological network study robustness. • Proper spatio-temporal resolution boosts connectivity assessment credibility. • Reliability directly impacts the validity of ecological network research findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celebrity and influencer endorsement, a widely used strategy, presents an ambiguous efficacy in promoting pro-environmental behavior. Past studies in this field have lacked exploration into the psychosocial mechanisms influencing individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices. This study, grounded in the source credibility model, consumer decision model, and theory of reasoned action, delves into the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement. Comparing sports and entertainment celebrities in a quasi-experiment, the paper gathered data from diverse community hubs within a densely populated urban settlement. Focusing on Alexandra township in Johannesburg, South Africa, the research examines how individual and social factors influence residents' pro-environmental behavior, comparing two celebrity types: sports and entertainment figures. The paper employed a structural equation modeling to analysed the two samples. Findings highlight the pivotal roles of personal involvement and normative influence in shaping residents' environmental problem recognition. Additionally, a positive relationship emerges between problem recognition and pro-environmental attitude. This research extends beyond Western contexts, addressing a social imperative for behavior change in an urban poor setting. Contributing to celebrity endorsement theory, the study presents a practical strategy for transforming communities into proactive advocates for environmental consciousness. This study, transcending conventional boundaries, illuminates the multifaceted dynamics of celebrity influence. In doing so, it enriches our understanding of effective strategies for nurturing pro-environmental citizens through effective celebrity advocacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigates how the resumption of the China certified emission reduction (CCER) market affects Chinese manufacturers' stock market valuations from an operations and supply chain management (OSCM) perspective. The paper draws from a resource-based view to examine the moderating effects of supply chain concentration (SCC), operational slack, and operational efficiency (OE) on the relationship between the CCER market and manufacturers' stock market valuations. This paper employs the event study method to examine market responses to CCER. The results reveal that the resumption of the CCER market significantly enhances the market valuations of high-pollution manufacturers to a greater extent than those of manufacturers with lower pollution levels. Additionally, the research findings indicate that SCC and operational slack attenuate the positive effect of CCER market resumption while OE amplifies it. This paper contributes to the OSCM literature by urging businesses to focus on the roles of SCC, operational slack, and OE in the CCER framework to harness the advantages of the CCER system better. • Resumption of China certified emission reduction positively affects manufacturers. • Operations and supply chain management factors are important moderators. • Manufacturers with varying pollution levels face different institutional impacts. • The event study method is employed to examine manufacturers' market responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China's urban areas rapidly developed, prefecture-level cities faced challenges in the coordinated development of the economy, society, energy, and environment (ESEE), which could impact public health. Previous research had examined the interactions between the various ESEE systems and their effects on public health. However, relatively few studies had conducted comprehensive analyses across different systems and regions. This paper aimed to conduct an in-depth analysis in this field. First, it calculated the ESEE development levels using principal component analysis, the entropy method, and data from 278 Chinese cities between 2012 and 2021. Next, it employed a coupling coordination degree model, which reflects the degree of coordinated development between different systems, to explore the coordinated development levels and trends of the four ESEE systems in each prefecture-level city. Furthermore, this paper innovatively used a spatial Durbin model, incorporating ESEE coordination levels to investigate their impact on public health in local and surrounding areas. The results indicated that the positive impact of ESEE coordinated development on local public health was 0.5082, while the impact on surrounding areas was 2.0240. This influence was more pronounced in smaller cities, suggesting the need to enhance regional cooperation, balance developmental disparities, and promote ESEE coordinated development to improve public health. Fig. Grid heat map of Spatial Durbin Model correlation network. [Display omitted] • The coupling coordination degree model and the spatial Durbin model were adopted. • The synergy of China's urban economy, society, energy, and environment (ESEE) was assessed. • The impact of coordinated development on public health and its spillover effects was analyzed. • The collaborative development level of ESEE improved year by year. • ESEE had a more significant beneficial impact on public health in small cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive use of manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) across diverse sectors has necessitated the development of reliable, sensitive, and precise methods for their identification. It's a challenging task to detect and quantify the MNPs in the complex environmental and biological matrices due to their small size, interference with natural components (e.g., proteins, ions, organic matter), and complexity in extraction and purification during sample preparation steps. Therefore, this review paper consolidates the latest advancements in analytical techniques and methodologies employed for MNPs analysis. This piece of work begins with an overview of the sources of MNPs and their widespread utilization, emphasizing the critical need for their effective monitoring due to potential environmental and health implications. Subsequently, it explores the challenges and increasing role of novel sample preparation methods, which are integral to improving the accuracy and efficiency of MNP detection in multifarious matrices, such as soil, water, air, and biological tissues, where their presence is often at trace levels. A detailed examination of recent developments in imaging methodologies, scattering, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometry-based techniques is presented. Advancements in electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are discussed, underscoring their enhanced resolution and capability in the morphological characterization of MNPs. Innovations in mass spectrometry and isotopic tracing for source identification are highlighted for their heightened sensitivity and specificity in nanoparticle analysis. The paper concludes by discussing the integration of these analytical methods with computational tools (simulation and machine learning) for data analysis, which facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the transformation behavior and fate of MNPs in environmental and biological systems. Future perspectives and potential directions for advancing MNP detection methodologies are also proposed, emphasizing the need for standardization of protocols to ensure data reliability and comparability across studies. This review highlights the dynamic nature of this field and its critical role in safeguarding environmental and public health in the face of the expanding nanotechnology horizon. • Advanced integration of imaging and spectroscopy for MNP analysis. • Innovative sample preparation methods for complex matrices. • Utilization of AI and machine learning for data interpretation. • Enhanced understanding of MNPs in environmental and biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovation is a pivotal means of achieving economic growth while mitigating environmental harm, and encouraging green innovation is a goal of policymakers. This paper systematically reviews the literature on the impact of diverse policy instruments on green innovation and corporate performance. We derive three main conclusions. (a) The majority of studies demonstrate that implementing policy instruments (including demand-pull policies, technology-push policies, and soft and systemic instruments) positively promotes the growth of green patents. (b) The development of green innovation involves passive diffusion, influenced by domestic policy interventions, international spillovers, and inter-firm knowledge flow. (c) The impact of environmental regulation and green innovation on firm performance is intricate, with the mediating role of green innovation remaining ambiguous. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting potential new research directions in green innovation. • Policy instruments positively promote green innovation across various policy types. • Green innovation is influenced by both domestic and foreign policies. • The nexus among environmental regulation, green innovation, and firm performance is complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative solution for clean energy autonomous building (AB) sustainability, offering a 5Z concept—zero-carbon, zero-energy, zero grid connections, zero energy bills, and zero emission mobility. This paper focuses on fundamental research to design sustainable, energy-ABs striving for self-sufficiency in arid climates, using Kuwait as a case study. The study highlights the importance of stringent engineering AB modeling, renewable technology integration, and clean energy storage. The technical approaches include characterizing non-thermal and thermal demands, achieving net-zero energy generation, and custom sizing renewable energy and energy storage systems (ESS) for electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The research methodology involves local construction with yearly weather and energy profile data to simulate the actual system using ESP-r building model. The study's findings reveal the need for a large-scale energy system, energy demand reduction (EDR) inclusive of heating, cooling, appliances, and EV, with the corresponding changes in local energy production system size, battery capacity, and the number of photovoltaics (PVs). The results show varying EDR levels ranging from base case to 10% and to 50% leading to proportional changes in energy system size, size of battery from 3415 kWh to 1710 kWh and the number of PVs from 362 to 181, which means EDR not only optimizes space but also proves cost-effective. The significant implication of this study, not only bridging the knowledge gap and the lack of how-know, but also making a significant advancement and forward thinking in sustainable green electric home modernization and environmentally friendly transportation. This approach transforms energy management practices for more sustainable cities and societies, reducing emissions in both urban infrastructure and transportation. • 100% green-powered residential autonomous building (AB) in hot climate using PVs. • Year-long free electric vehicle (EV) charging point in a rural area without a grid. • AB simulated using ESP-r building model with yearly weather and energy profile data. • Energy demand reduction (EDR) showed space optimization and proved cost-effectiveness. • Unprecedented integration of AB&EV with clean energy for Kuwait case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular construction and operation significantly impact building lifecycle management, with various stakeholders playing key roles. Digital twin technology emerges as a cutting-edge tool for information exchange, management, and forecasting in the construction sector, offering comprehensive services for diverse stakeholders. However, research primarily explores potential applications and practical solutions, with limited focus on application strategies considering all stakeholders' interests. This gap hinders the transition of digital twin technology from theoretical to practical use. Addressing this, the paper employs game theory to develop models that analyze key stakeholder decisions during the modular construction and operational phases. It creatively introduces mathematical models for complex conditions in the operation phase and conducts numerical simulations. Findings show that the diffusion rate of digital twin technology significantly affects decision-making by main stakeholders in the construction industries in two stages. The diffusion rate in other industries influences the decision of facility management contractors from different backgrounds, yet its implementation ultimately depends on their status and profitability during the operation process. These diffusion rates are influenced by various factors like government subsidies, development costs, and revenues. To enhance the application rate of digital twin technology, the paper suggests initiating pilot projects, creating project pools, expanding industry-university-research collaborations, and implementing subsidies and incentive programs. • We utilized game theory to analyze the decisions during the modular construction and operation phases • Mathematical models were developed under complex conditions to facilitate numerical simulations of modular construction and operation • We found that the diffusion rate of digital twin technology could impact owners' decisions • Measures were proposed to enhance the application rate of the digital twin technology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) proposes to accelerate the development of the digital economy and promote "carbon neutrality". In 2020, China announced a "double carbon" target. In 2022, the size of China's digital economy has reached 7.5 trillion dollars, ranking second in the world. Against this background, this paper takes 211 cities in China from 2011 to 2019 as the research object and tries to sort out the impact of the development of the digital economy on the carbon efficiency of cities in order to find an effective path for cities to realize low-carbon development. The results of the study show that the development of the digital economy significantly improves the carbon efficiency level of Chinese cities. After a series of endogeneity and robustness tests, the conclusion still holds. Public environmental concern and technological innovation are the key mediating paths. In addition, the digital economy has a significant non-linear effect on the carbon efficiency of Chinese cities. On the one hand, the low-carbon effect of the digital economy is only realized when the level of digital economy development is lower than the critical value of 0.040 and higher than the critical value of 0.085; on the other hand, the lower the level of urban carbon efficiency is, the greater the effect of the digital economy on urban carbon efficiency. Further research shows that the digital economy has a significant spatial spillover effect on the improvement of urban carbon efficiency, and the development of the digital economy not only helps to improve the carbon efficiency level of the local city but also positively influences the improvement of the carbon efficiency of neighboring cities through the spatial spillover effect. The heterogeneity study found that in eastern cities and megacities, the digital economy has a more obvious effect on the improvement of carbon efficiency. In the context of the booming digital economy, this paper tries to find an effective new path for urban low-carbon development by means of developing the digital economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings have significantly contributed to high energy demand (30.3%) and GHG emissions (26.1%) worldwide. Consequently, many developed countries have set carbon-neutral targets for 2050, mandating that all new constructions thereafter be designed as net-zero emission buildings (NZEBs). To achieve this goal, one of the most practical sources of renewable energy, solar power, is employed in this study to estimate the economic feasibility of implementing NZEBs in the non-residential sector of the United States. While past studies have typically estimated the economic payback period of solar power technology by assuming fixed values for "PV energy conversion rates (%)" and "investment costs ($USD)", this paper carefully investigated the economic feasibility of "solar-based NZEBs" by precisely tracking these dynamic future changes in PV panels. These techno-economic variables were carefully predicted using a statistical technique known as the five-parameter logistic (5 PL) function. The results show that Site 4 is the only solar region suitable for implementing "PV-integrated NZEBs", reaching a payback period of 8.44 years in 2040 (Scenario 1). Furthermore, with small technological improvements in PV energy efficiency (%), buildings located in Site 3 and Site 4 can meet the net-zero emission target with payback periods of less than 10 years in 2034 (Scenario 2). Finally, starting in 2044, the "PV-integrated system" will have a payback period of approximately 7 years in most study locations, even without federal support for the solar investment tax credit (SITC). Accordingly, federal support for solar power generation will be more effective if the SITC rate is gradually reduced by 2.5% annually starting in 2033. In conclusion, this paper suggests the economic feasibility of implementing solar-based NZEBs in the United States non-residential sector by considering the synergetic effect of technological improvement and cost reduction in PV-integrated systems. • This study predicted the cost and efficiency of PV panels to estimate the economic feasibility of solar-based NZEBs. • The cost reduction and technical advancement in PV panels can remarkably improve the economics of solar power. • The 5 PL function is systematically modeled to predict the total investment cost and efficiency of PV panels. • In most study locations, solar-based NZEBs are projected to achieve a 7-year payback period beginning in 2044. • The federal support for the SITC rate (%) is recommended to be gradually lowered starting in 2033. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance regional collaborative management and effectively address air pollution, this paper constructs the industrial air pollution network of 168 cities in China between 2010 and 2021. Social network analysis (SNA) and temporal exponential random graph model (TERGM) are used to investigate the structural characteristics and driving mechanisms of industrial air pollution spatial correlation networks. The results indicate the following: (1) Industrial air pollution levels in key Chinese cities showed a slight fluctuation between 2010 and 2015, but decreased after 2015. (2) The industrial air pollution linkage network exhibits small-world characteristics and path dependence, with different cities playing distinct roles in the network. (3) The evolution of the network is influenced by both exogenous and endogenous mechanisms. Local network structures such as reciprocity, connectivity, and transitivity make the network exhibit path-dependent characteristics. Cities' attributes such as economic development level, green innovation capacity, and population density significantly influenced their status in the network and linkages between cities. Pollution linkages are more likely to occur in cities with similar levels of economic development, green technological innovation capacity, and institutional environments. Therefore, effective regional division for scientific collaborative governance should be considered from multiple perspectives. Based on these results, the paper provides several policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling in apartments has been problematised around the world, as this housing typology is associated with relatively low resource recovery rates. Rather that assuming that occupant behaviours are the key concern, this paper starts with the observation that apartments are sites of unevenly distributed spatialities and responsibilities. They co-shape material and infrastructural affordances and call upon diverse knowledge of waste management in collective and shared arrangements. This paper analyses data from an in-depth qualitative study involving apartment waste and apartment households in Melbourne, Australia. It shows that boundaries and boundary objects help define waste and its relationships, mutually shaping and being shaped by material flows and reconfiguring responsibilities. The co-production of these boundaries and boundary objects is correlated to mechanisms of governance, regulations, assumptions associated with verticality/shared living, and seasonality. In the context of post-consumer waste recovery policy ambitions, the paper illustrates how a) shifting boundaries to redistribute responsibility b) engaging with somatic work to bridge boundaries that challenge material flows, and c) harnessing boundaries that nurture and normalize sustainable waste practices, can be potential sites of intervention. As a theoretical contribution, it draws upon boundary work and social practices as a novel way to inform interventions to promote sustainability. • Boundaries define waste and its relationships, mutually shaping material flows. • Boundaries are produced through social practices. • Co-production of boundaries relates to governance and assumptions about apartments. • Harnessing boundaries that normalize sustainable waste practices is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry is nowadays one of the most energy-demanding sectors representing a major contributor of global greenhouse gas emissions. The simultaneous need for electricity and high-temperature heat is what makes some industrial processes difficult to decarbonize via current commercially available technologies. As the demand for materials and goods is expected to grow in the upcoming years, it is crucial to define which strategies and technologies will serve as the cornerstone of sustainable development. This study addresses the imperative need for emission reduction of energy-intensive sectors by proposing a novel hydrogen-based cogeneration system in the framework of the paper and pulp industry, with the aim of providing general insights relevant to a broader spectrum of similar applications. The comparative analysis presented in this work focuses on three cogeneration options aimed at satisfying the paper mill energy needs: a conventional natural gas-fuelled gas turbine, a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) fed with grey hydrogen produced via steam methane reforming, and a SOFC operating using green hydrogen produced on-site. The latter involves an integrated multi-energy system with photovoltaic panels, electrolyzers, compressors, and storage tanks. Indeed, the SOFC potential of supplying electricity and high-temperature heat in the form of pressurized steam for industrial applications has not been well investigated yet and represents one of the main objectives of this work. Building on the real consumption profiles of a paper mill facility, techno-economic analyses are carried out for many system configurations, varying components size and layout to assess their performance with respect to CO 2 emissions and two key economic parameters, the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and the net present cost. An in-house-developed flexible simulation framework is presented and expanded for the purposes of this study, including a detailed model that accounts for design and off-design performance of a SOFC cogeneration unit. Results demonstrate that integrating a SOFC with a heat recovery steam generator result in a 75% reduction in the mass flow of generable pressurized steam in comparison to a gas turbine. Additionally, in the cost-optimal scenario, CO 2 emissions are 25% lower than the conventional gas turbine-based configuration, achieving complete independence from the electricity grid and an LCOH of 5.81€/kg without considering revenues from electricity sold. [Display omitted] • Green H 2 production, compression, storage and use in energy-intensive industries. • Solid oxide fuel cell modelling and validation for heat and power generation. • Comparison of gas turbine and solid oxide fuel cell cogeneration performance. • Optimal LCOH of 5.81 €/kg is identified for a PV-to-electrolyzer ratio of 2. • Sensitivity analysis on natural gas purchase price and electricity selling price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of electric vehicle batteries will reach the end of their life cycle with the fast growth of electric vehicles. Since the recycling of retired electric vehicles batteries is of great significance in the light of resource utilization, ecological protection, energy saving and economic benefits, the proper management of electric vehicle battery recycling (EVBR) is crucial for achieving sustainable development. However, due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders, there are many potential barriers in the process of EVBR, and analyzing these barriers can significantly help the recycling management of waste electric vehicle batteries towards a circular economy. Although the literature has focused on analyzing obstacles to implementing reverse logistics for electric vehicle lithium battery recycling from a manufacturer's perspective, less attention has been paid to analyzing barriers to EVBR from a multi-stakeholder perspective. This paper thus aims to investigate the barriers to EVBR from a multi-stakeholder point of view, identify the main barriers affecting battery recycling, and analyze the interrelationships and hierarchies between these barriers. Based on expert opinions and literature reviews, this paper identifies twenty major barriers to EVBR and uses interpretive structural modelling (ISM) method to determine the interrelationships and hierarchies between the barriers, and finally classifies the barriers to EVBR into a seven-level structural model. Furthermore, matriced impacts corises-multiplcation appliance classement (MICMAC) analysis is applied to categorize the identified barriers to EVBR, and the twenty barriers are finally classified into three categories, namely dependent barriers, linkage barriers, and driver barriers. This paper discusses theoretical insights, managerial and practical implications, and measures to overcome EVBR barriers based on the results, which show that the lack of more appropriate incentives is a major barrier to EVBR implementation. This paper provides a solid theoretical foundation for the further development of battery recycling policies, and will also help relevant stakeholders and governments to better understand these barriers and adopt effective approaches to address them. [Display omitted] • This paper studies the barriers to electric vehicle battery recycling. • A hierarchy of potential electric vehicle battery recycling barriers is identified. • Measures to overcome the barriers to electric vehicle battery recycling are given. • Several key theoretical implications and managerial insights are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmonizing the cleanliness and economics of energy is an effective means of integrating economic growth with carbon peaking goals, and realizing sustainable development in China. However, due to the existence of the energy trilemma, a worthwhile research question is how to fulfill the carbon peaking commitment while guaranteeing China's stable national development. Based on this, this paper not only discusses the nonlinear relationship between clean energy consumption transition and economic growth through threshold regression, but also simulates several scenarios of energy transition dynamics with different growth rates by using Oracle Crystal Ball software to forecast the future trend of China's carbon emissions up to 2030, aiming to find a transition scenario that can make the peak of carbon emissions appear without significant economic burden, so as to put forward countermeasures and suggestions to avoid falling into the energy trilemma in the process of fulfilling the commitment of carbon peaking. This paper finds that: firstly, there is an inverted U-shaped non-linear relationship between clean energy consumption transition and economic growth, with the inflection point of the inverted U-shape being 0.595; and secondly, only when energy transition exceeds 0.535 in 2030, the peak of carbon emissions (about 12,922.28 Mt) will occur. In summary, this paper argues that China should steadily advance energy transition, avoiding either too fast or too slow a pace (bring clean energy consumption transition to within the 0.535–0.595 range by 2030), in order to secure economic growth while honoring its commitment to peak carbon. Therefore, China should prudently design a coal exit strategy to avoid falling into the energy trilemma when promoting energy transition. Moreover, if China wants to further fulfill its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060, it needs to continue to deepen the construction of green financial markets in order to better balance the relationship between energy cleanliness and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within sustainability controversies, actors face trade-offs where they prioritize either economic, social or environmental concerns. However, there is little research engaging with how actors mobilize discourses in sustainability controversies. This research seeks to extend this body of literature by adopting a discursive lens in which we examine how different actors mobilize different discourses to argue for their respective conceptions of sustainable development and their trade-offs. By adopting a longitudinal instrumental single-case study design, this research examines the ongoing controversy in Quebec over the development of new mining projects for the extraction of transition minerals. This study offers several contributions to the sustainability trade-offs literature. First, it sheds light on the dynamic nature of discursive strategies within sustainability controversies. Second, the paper broadens understanding of the use of moralization discursive strategies in sustainability trade-offs. Third, it identifies the new neutralization strategy in sustainability controversies. The paper also suggests several practical implications for the actors involved in sustainability controversies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively mitigate climate change, policymakers worldwide established various GHG tracking and trading systems. In the light of ambitious climate goals, stricter regulations, and increasing demand for climate action, various groups such as researchers and governmental institutions suggested additional approaches. This paper addresses the complexity that arises from the breadth of suggested approaches and implemented systems for GHG tracking and trading. By doing so, it synthesizes relevant dimensions in a way that is understandable to enterprises and policymakers, enabling them to design meaningful systems incorporating the reduction of GHG emissions and advance cleaner production. Therefore, this paper presents a first-of-its-kind taxonomy of GHG tracking and trading approaches through a systematic literature review. It illustrates ten main design and implementation dimensions with 30 corresponding characteristics. To accelerate decarbonization, this paper sets impulses for future GHG tracking in the electricity sector based on semi-structured expert interviews. Consecutively, it provides policy directions for CO 2 -adaptive decision-making for enterprises, formulated as a Call for Action with seven prospective questions. These include, for example, questions concerning technical aspects like data management, legal issues like the sufficiency of existing data security and privacy regulations, as well as economic topics like the calculation of an appropriate local and temporal granularity. • Presenting a first-of-its-kind taxonomy of GHG tracking and trading approaches through a systematic literature review. • Creating targeted knowledge for enterprises and policymakers for designing meaningful systems to reduce GHG emissions. • Setting impulses for future GHG tracking in the electricity sector based on semi-structured expert interviews. • Providing policy directions for CO 2 -adaptive decision-making for enterprises, formulated as a Call for Action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate emergency is widely acknowledged. However, our institutions are struggling to find new intervention types to accelerate the transition. This paper analyses this struggle by combining agency theories and discursive approaches to study transition intermediaries, i.e, organizations seeking to foster the transition activities of others. The internal meaning structures of intermediaries are described as interlocking shared action frames, i.e., beliefs and meanings underpining their activities. These frames are characterized through the definition of pairs of contrasting frame elements along eleven framing dimensions. This conceptualization allows for a semi-quantitative mapping of internal structures. The method is developped and illustrated with the in-depth case study of a Swiss regional utility department running an energy efficiency programme. Analysing a series of exploratory workshops, we find that established frames revolve around technology-oriented, managerial approaches to the transition, ultimately narrowing the range of imaginable interventions. While these are well-studied shortcomings of energy efficiency centred approaches, further observations suggest that these frames underpin the perception of intervention impacts, helping keep staff and recipients involved. To strike a balance between energy saving targets and transformative ambitions, this paper suggests revising programme evaluation logics and reframing technological solutions as responses, rather than substitutes, to practice changes. [Display omitted] • A discursive approach is used to explore the agency of transition intermediaries. • Internal meaning structures are described as interlocking shared agency frames. • A utility department running an energy efficiency programme is taken as case study. • An established perspective revolves around technical, managerial approaches. • Emergent perspectives tend to be linked this coherent established perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The swift urbanization and ensuing challenges in global cities require a transition towards "intelligent" urban management. This change is motivated by the necessity to enrich the quality of life, tackling crucial issues such as transportation. How can municipal authorities effectively utilize smart city principles and technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in urban living? This query plays a vital role in steering urban policies and city governance towards a more sustainable and intelligent future. The paper suggests a survey-based research perspective unprecedented on "disruptive" transportation, offering a longitudinal examination (2010–2023) of cross-national comparison (ITA-UK) using a relatively large sample (No. 450 total) and divided into No.150 –UK 2023, No.150 –ITA 2023, and No. 150 Italy 2010 respectively. The sample base considers the two Capitals (London and Rome) for diversity, population size, and ongoing projects related to "smart" urban developed. Intending to offer a valuable analytical tool for policymakers, scholars, managers, and professionals, the paper primarily explores the evolutionary progression of sustainability concepts inherent in the smart city paradigm and their fusion with transportation; after the cross-national comparison is essential for highlighting mindset disparities that influence future planning endeavors for future urban transportation sector. The key findings revolve around cultural, ideological, ownership disparities and individualistic tendencies that contribute to a resistance to change. The empirical analysis demonstrates an advancement for Italy compared to previous years, but still cautious particularly concerning the adoption of shared mobility alternatives, which also presents a viable solution for increasing the adoption of electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early detection of fuel leaks in filling stations is crucial to minimize environmental risks, such as soil and groundwater contamination. There are some commercial products for fuel leakage detection based on statistical analysis of data from station inventory books. Although they solve the tackled problem, they have some important drawbacks, such as their high price, and issues related to the privacy of station data, which must be shared with the company owning the reconciliation technology. In this work, a solution based on Artificial Intelligence is proposed to address this problem. Machine Learning techniques, specifically two-class supervised classifiers, are applied to data extracted from inventory books of real petrol stations. The classification models used in this paper are trained and tested with real data of days without leaks and simulated data of days with leaks. Thus, the more representative of reality these data are, the better the classifiers will work when implemented in a real filling station. In this sense, the most novel contribution of this paper is the way in which the training sets are constructed to achieve a realistic scenario. These sets are composed of time data windows in which the leak can begin on any day within the window, not necessarily on the first day, as the authors had assumed in a previous contribution. Therefore, they are mixed windows containing a variable number of non-leaking and leaking days. In addition, the design of these data sets complies with the requirements of the current European standard UNE-EN 13160–5. This allows the classifiers to work under even more realistic conditions and thus increase the practical applicability of their results. This work demonstrates that by using two-class classifiers it is possible not only to comply with the standard in terms of the maximum allowable ratio of false positives and false negatives, but also to detect the leak in a shorter time than that established in the norm. [Display omitted] • The detection of fuel leaks in petrol stations is approached as a classification problem. • In order to study compliance with current regulations it is essential to work in a scenario that is as realistic as possible. • Mixed time windows improve the reliability of the results regarding fuel leaks detection. • The proposed solution allows to accomplish the efficiency requirements of current regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of production by-products as feedstock offers benefits in terms of circularity, waste reduction, and enhanced local value-add. In this paper, we examine the institutional and supply network collaborations required to shift from global to near-sourcing using by-products of previously unrelated production activities. The case study of straw stubble agri-waste is examined as it exhibits multiple product-process valorisation opportunities, generates social welfare gains for farmers, and addresses a critical societal need of reducing pollution. Drawing on circular economy and supply network configuration literature, the research involved the consideration of local resource availability, product-production process technology options, partnering arrangements, and network governance. The results reveal multiple feedstock product-process conversion scenarios, each representing potential intermediate and end-use products/markets. Two pathways were identified offering industrial-scale valorisation, namely straw-stubble as a feedstock for i) building products and ii) energy purposes. Circular supply network design parameters emerge from cross-case analysis suggesting alignment across feedstock network structure, product-processing pathways, and the configuration of public-private partnerships is necessary. This paper develops supply network configuration design approaches and related partnering models by providing a structured framework for identifying commerically viable by-product driven supply networks that leverage the proximity of non-traditional suppliers exploiting local resources. This research contributes to the design of circular supply networks and partnership configurations for the valorisation of by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI technology, has surged across various industries. However, a notable drawback of this technology is its significant energy consumption during model training and operation, which poses challenges to sustainability goals and the environment. Consequently, various initiatives have emerged to promote what is termed "green artificial intelligence," aiming to mitigate these environmental impacts. Nevertheless, research discussing these initiatives remains scarce. Hence, this study aims to identify green artificial intelligence initiatives that contribute to environmental friendliness. This paper has comprehensively reviewed the existing literature, professional websites, and expert blogs to identify and analyze available green AI initiatives. This paper has identified 55 such initiatives, broadly categorized into six themes: cloud optimization, model efficiency, carbon footprinting, sustainability-focused AI development, open-source initiatives, and green AI research and community. This study discusses the strengths and limitations of each initiative to offer a comprehensive overview. The findings provide valuable insights, particularly for industries interested in green artificial intelligence and green technology in general. While some tools have been recognized and studied, comprehensive research and analysis are still required to empirically evaluate the majority of other tools due to their early stages of development in this field. • Study explores the growing awareness and concern about environmental impact of AI. • It investigates development of tools and approaches to address Green AI. • Significance of collaboration, open-source initiatives, in Green AI development. • Examine importance of ethical considerations in green AI development. • Provide insights for industries in green AI and green technology in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene transparent electrode (GTE) has been attracting much attention due to fascinating physical properties. However, the extensive deployment of copper foil within GTE production has imparted substantial environmental burden. This paper is a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) study to investigate the environmental impacts of roll-to-roll produced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) GTE and the environmental potential of recycling copper foil for cleaner production. Four production scenarios are developed to promote the lab-to-fab progress, including lab scenario, industry baseline scenario, industry recycling scenario and microwave plasma chemical CVD scenario. The functional unit is set as 1 m2 of the GTE production and the life cycle inventories of different scenarios are explored. Results show that the copper foil is a major contributor in baseline scenario in the category of primary energy consumption and global warming. The impacts of GTE production in industry recycling scenario vary from 0.01 to 0.18 of the values in industry baseline scenario. Therefore, copper foil recycling shows environmental potential for GTE production. If all building integrated photovoltaics transition to employing perovskite solar cells with GTE produced in copper recycling scenario, the potential reduction in CO 2 emissions is estimated at 141.2 million kilograms per year. The findings serve as a roadmap for the industry, highlighting key areas where improvements can be made to upscale production while minimizing environmental impact. This paper provides insights into the major environmental contributors in the GTE production, guiding the upscaling routes for cleaner GTE production in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion adsorption rare earths resource has gained significance as a crucial worldwide strategic metal resource because of its high concentration of heavy rare earth elements. Mining technology is continuously undergoing development and improvement in order to facilitate the extraction of rare earth elements more efficiently. The utilization of leaching agents like ammonium/magnesium/aluminum sulfate has significantly enhanced the production efficiency of rare earth elements compared to sodium chloride (barrel/pool leaching). New technologies, while beneficial, have the potential to increase land/water contamination and landslides through heap/in-situ leaching technologies. Therefore, researchers remain dedicated to the investigation and advancement of novel leaching agents that are devoid of ammonia, possess reduced ammonia content, or are organic in nature. This paper presents an in-depth examination of the mining technology for ion adsorption rare earths, with the goal of promoting its efficient and clean development. The composition of rare earth ore at different vertical depths, the evolution of mining technology in recent decades, and the inadequacies of existing technologies are reviewed. Critical remarks are being made regarding the ongoing research on novel mining technology for extracting ion adsorption rare earths. The leaching characteristics are discussed from the viewpoints of wettability, diffusive double electric layer theory, plate theory, and quantum mechanics. In the later half of the paper, bioleaching technologies with application possibility are discussed in detail. The content covers the basic features of the microorganisms used, the bioleaching mechanism, leaching characteristics, and strengthening measures. We hope that the work will be useful to other scholars and will help to advance technical progress. [Display omitted] • The composition characteristics of ion adsorption rare earths at different vertical depths are analyzed. • The mining technology status of ion adsorption rare earths is summarized. • Bioleaching mechanism and characteristics of ion adsorption rare earths is discussed. • Strengthening measures for bioleaching of ion adsorption rare earths are reviewed. • The possible breakthrough direction in the future is pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a day-ahead optimal EV demand management framework to reduce feeder peak demand while ensuring the benefits from energy arbitrage. Leveraging the demand flexibility of EV charging, when appropriately coordinated, holds promise for mitigating feeder demand stress. Existing literature lacks a comprehensive framework to facilitate active orchestration of EV demand flexibility for a hybrid scheme of peak load reduction and energy arbitrage due to limitations of existing pricing schemes to effectively harness EV demand adaptability. To this end, this paper proposes a three-stage EV scheduling strategy that optimally coordinates distribution feeder demand while efficiently allocating the candidate EVs. EV demand, estimated in first stage by an EV aggregator, is further optimized by distribution system operator (DSO) in the second stage leveraging charging flexibility of EVs employing a novel pseudo price function termed "critical peak included locational marginal prices" (CP-LMP). Finally, the third stage entails the EV aggregator maximizing EV allocation. Furthermore, a robust optimization-based operational planning framework is proposed to hedge the uncertainties in EV parameters and their distributions. Comprehensive analyses are presented to validate the efficacy of the proposed methodology. Depending on factors such as EV penetration, permissible load shifting, and charging station capacity, our approach demonstrates a notable 4%–10% reduction in peak load, underscoring the potential benefits of the proposed strategy in enhancing distribution system resilience and efficiency for rapid EV proliferation. • Day-ahead EV scheduling strategy considering peak load reduction and Energy Arbitrage. • A new pseudo-price function is proposed for the optimization. • A Robust optimization based operational planning strategy is proposed. • Uncertainties in arrival time and requested SoC are modeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]