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The aim of this paper is to show the concise chemico-physical adsorbent performance of water purification systems utilizing geo- (e.g., allophane, clinoptilolite, and smectite) and bio-polymer materials (e.g., chitosan or cellulose nanocomposite materials) and to propose an optimal ground-water remediation technique. The performance of geo-materials is evaluated based on the individual sorption and immobilization capacities for various priority substances and pollutants (e.g., lead, zinc, cadmium, copper, arsenic, and others), their availability, and cost-efficient use. A systematic assessment of the sorption potential of geo-materials in comparison to other available sorbents used for the removal of harmful aqueous metal ions is made through a literature review. This paper introduces novel sustainable technologies based on natural and tailored silicate-polymerized substances (geo-materials and geopolymers), and highlights their applicability in the treatment of water and solid matter contaminated by heavy metal ions. The advantages of geo-materials and geopolymers over other commercially available sorbents used for heavy metal ion removal from solution are presented through a literature review. Benefits and current challenges of geo-materials and geopolymers applications in water processing technologies and in environmental remediation are discussed, with recognition of their performance, individual sorption and immobilization capacities, availability, and cost-efficient use. The applications described here comprise: (i) the removal of heavy metal ions from contaminated water using in-situ remediation strategies; (ii) heavy metal ion immobilization through co-precipitation with silicate binders in underground stabilization and waste solidification scenarios; and (iii) a proposal for a new geo-material/geopolymer-based solidification and stabilization technology for efficient, sustainable, and simultaneous treatment of soil/sediment and groundwater at environmental hotspots. Clay-substituted geopolymers, smectite, and zeolites are distinguished by their superb sorption and immobilization capacities for heavy metal ions, while biosorbents can play an important role in the removal of metals, metalloids (e.g., arsenic), and other contaminants. More research on individual removal mechanisms of heavy metals will provide new clues on the development of remediation strategies in advanced scientific and field applications, and on atomic-to-micron scale processes occurring at the solid–liquid interface. [Display omitted] • Comparative study of geo-materials/geo-polymers application in water treatment. • Green sorbents show a high efficiency to remove heavy metal ions from solution. • Smectites and zeolites are superb sorbents and have high immobilization capacities for dissolved heavy metals. • A proposal for a novel groundwater purification system is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research applies design thinking to craft a prototype for a digital participation strategy that boosts the ability of Colombian communities to protect natural ecosystems. It delves into modern digital involvement trends related to environmental sustainability and examines the roles of AI and blockchain in ensuring transparency and accountability. The paper also touches on community-driven methods for sustainable management, highlighting approaches like adaptive and landscape-based co-management that incorporate citizen science and collaborative engagement. The research is rooted in participatory methods, co-creating the empathy map and prototype with the community of Villavicencio, Colombia, and the research team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing global energy demand and limited production of conventional crude oil, the extraction of unconventional heavy and extra-heavy oil is receiving unprecedented attention. China is the fourth largest producer of heavy oil. High viscosity and complex formation environments increase the difficulty of exploiting heavy oil. To alleviate the economic cost and environmental pollution pressure brought by heavy oil production, China has achieved significant advancement in the innovation of heavy oil recovery, including accelerating the transformation of thermal technology to non-thermal technology and the use of new energy technology to achieve the goal of low-carbon economy and green environmental protection. Based on the background of heavy oil in China, this paper recharacterizes the high-viscosity mechanism of heavy oil. From different aspects, including basic principles, main characteristics, applicability, limitations, and challenges, this paper comprehensively reviews existing heavy oil recovery technologies, including thermal recovery, in-situ upgrading, cold recovery, and new energy technologies. Currently, in China, the main target of heavy oil recovery is achieving the "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" goals, which can be described as low energy consumption, low emission, and low pollution. To facilitate the low-carbon transition in the extraction of heavy/extra-heavy oil and attain environmental sustainability goals, it is essential to increase the proportion of non-thermal factors in thermal recovery technologies, develop efficient in-situ catalysts, adopt clean cold extraction techniques, and advance the development of new energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Expert technical and economic rationalities overlook political aspects of sustainability. • Local experiences reveal structures and processes that shape inequitable outcomes. • Sustainable developmentality creates a triple-bind for rural mountain residents. • The triple-bind contributes to large numbers migrating from mountain dwellings. • Mountain migration and land abandonment is a political not an inevitable process. Sustainability challenges persist in the central Indian Himalayas (CIH) despite an array of solutions proffered by external experts. This paper interrogates the 'sustainability gaze' of external experts – which reflects attempts to reconcile neoliberal economic growth with environmental conservation within the logics of technical and biophysical rationalities - by exploring local experiences of rapid and uncertain social and environmental change. Three strands of policy and practice shape the gaze: (i) natural hazard mitigation for climate change adaptation; (ii) reducing social vulnerability through pro-poor development; and (iii) increasing resilience through environmental management and conservation. Results challenge narratives that overpopulation causes environmental degradation and changing patterns of migration are a natural process of modernisation in the CIH. Alternative local narratives highlight haphazard and inequitable economic growth, lack of mountain planning and disaster management, inadequate social welfare programmes, and monkey relocation policies as the major sustainability challenges. The paper discusses how the gaze produces 'sustainable developmentality' - a depoliticising process that cultivates multiple and conflicting mountain subjectivities, namely: (i) active community members responsible for mitigating natural hazards, (ii) productive farmers and flexible waged labourers, and (iii) custodians of the environment. This creates a triple-bind for smallholders which has forced huge numbers to migrate from their mountain dwellings with unsustainable outcomes. Exploring local perspectives re-politicises the debate, exposing the contradictions and tensions of the gaze and the broader systemic issues of power and inequity the gaze overlooks. Such insights are crucial for rendering development policies more relevant to mountain residents of the CIH and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The potential of pine wastes for carbon-rich biochar production is explored. • Advancements in biochar production technologies are emphasized. • Biochar properties are highly influenced by temperature, heating rate, and inert conditions. • Selection of upgradation technique depends on specific biochar application. • Solar pyrolysis demonstrates great potential as a low-cost biochar production technology. Pine wastes, including pine needles, cones, and wood, are abundantly produced as an agroforestry by-product globally and have shown tremendous potential for biochar production. Various thermochemical conversion technologies have exhibited promising results in converting pine wastes to biochar, displaying impressive performance. Hence, this review paper aims to investigate the possibilities and recent technological advancements for synthesizing biochar from pine waste. Furthermore, it explores techniques for enhancing the properties of biochar and its integrated applications in various fields, such as soil and water remediation, carbon sequestration, battery capacitor synthesis, and bio-coal production. Finally, the paper sheds light on the limitations of current strategies, emphasizing the need for further research and study to address the challenges in pine waste-based biochar synthesis. By promoting sustainable and effective utilization of pine wastes, this review contributes to environmental conservation and resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling waste is one of the main methods of sustainable design concept, which can reduce resource consumption and thus create eco-friendly products. Traditional green design has focused on the recycling of waste and the extension of the life cycle of product materials. Some scholars also consider emotional Customer Requirements (CRs) in eco-friendly products, but prioritize appearance over environmental function innovation. The rapid development of internet technology has enabled the proliferation of online product reviews, which can be analyzed to inform eco-innovative product design that meets CRs. Based on the CRs extracted from online reviews, this paper proposes an eco-innovative product design method that aims to recycle waste and meet emotional CRs. Firstly, online reviews are extracted using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), and CRs for environmental protection functions, appearance, human-computer interaction, and service experience are summarized by integrating sustainable design concepts and emotional design theories. Secondly, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is utilized to suggest targeted solutions for core CRs, innovating product function modules and usage. Thirdly, the combination of Kansei Engineering (KE) and the Interactive Genetic Algorithm (IGA) is utilized for appearance design. Lastly, the research process is explained using the proposed method, with the example of a coffee maker's design, and its effectiveness and practicality are verified. The proposed method aims to recycle waste, optimize resource utilization, achieve environmental protection goals, and provide innovative approaches for advancing the circular economy. Additionally, this method prioritizes environmental sustainability and considers emotional CRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of sustainability and environmental conservation is on the rise, garnering increasing attention from customers, businesses, industries, and regulatory authorities. To foster sustainable manufacturing practices, this research paper presents a comprehensive framework that integrates synergistic elements such as rework strategies, green technology, and carbon control policies. Imperfect quality items are being considered in the model which are proposed to be dealt with a dual approach: either salvaging or reworking them. The study also investigates the impact of carbon control policies on the manufacturing industry, focusing on sustainability and the equilibrium between environmental protection and economic growth. These policies aim to regulate carbon emissions by imposing penalties or incentives, thus encouraging companies to adopt practices that reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, investing in green technology offers environmental benefits, cost savings, a competitive advantage, and regulatory compliance. It helps in carbon reduction through which organizations can assess their cleaner practices and environmental efforts. The objective of the developed model is to maximize the expected profit by optimizing selling price, green investment, and production quantity. Analysis of the numerical results of the proposed study is being provided to demonstrate its validity and reliability. Results demonstrated that the utilization of the rework process yields superior outcomes compared to the scenario without rework. A closer evaluation reveals that the limited carbon policy with the rework process leads to significantly diminished levels of carbon emissions and augmented profitability in contrast to alternative policies. Importantly, this approach exhibits a remarkable 2.13% higher economic efficiency and an impressive 37.10% greater adherence to environmentally sustainable practices, thus highly favoring the adoption of such strategies. Consequently, the manufacturing industry can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic growth and profitability through the implementation of carbon control policies and investment in green technology, particularly in conjunction with rework processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the sustainability of large-scale infrastructure construction is the foundation and trend of urban sustainable development and environmental protection. This paper proposes a perception and evaluation method based on Dynamic Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (D-FCM) to address the dynamics, uncertainties, and implementation difficulties of sustainability evaluation in large-scale infrastructure construction. Using Hebbian rules to learn the experience and knowledge of experts, a dynamic evolution correlation matrix about evaluation indicators is obtained, and a D-FCM dynamic system model is established to obtain the sustainability evaluation results of large-scale infrastructure construction. The comprehensive sustainable evaluation value (K) of the selected subway project case is 0.934, which belongs to the V level in the sustainable level classification standard and has a good trend in sustainable development. Social public participation (S1), light pollution prevention (H1), wastewater discharge compliance rate (H2), soil pollution prevention (H3), and soil and water conservation and utilization (Z2) are the most significant and sensitive indicators for the sustainable development of large-scale infrastructure construction. Based on the interaction of influencing factors in the D-FCM model, an economically efficient control measures and decision-making plan can be proposed to improve the sustainability of large-scale infrastructure construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural heritage settlements have encountered many challenges and risks due to the rapid evolution of the cultural tourism economy, such as changing demographics, overcrowding, evolving consumer demands, and biodiversity loss. Conservation of environmental and sociocultural assets of these rural settlements and strengthening community resilience have been considered indispensable in global sustainable development. In this regard, a growing body of research has investigated the implications to wider issues of environmental sustainability through lessons learned from these rural, vernacular settlements. However, discussions on transformation driven by tourism and socio-cultural resilience in rural contexts have attracted limited attention. Contributing to this gap in the literature, based on a longitudinal survey study (spanning from 2000 to 2022) conducted in Behramkale (rural, vernacular village in Türkiye), this paper investigates rural community resilience strategies adopted by residents to cope with transformation led by cultural tourism and strict heritage conservation restrictions. The study results showed that the new development area (new settlement) of the village served as an infrastructure of the old settlement, by means of a home for the local residents, and an economic asset for the village. The establishment of the new settlement, to some extent, prevented the displacement of local residents and provided the continuation of the traditional rural economy in the village. • There is a lack of literature on resilience about heritage conservation and tourism. • Tourism development has severe impacts on rural heritage settlements and community. • A framework is proposed for tourism and rural heritage community resilience. • The framework is applied on a rural vernacular village, Behramkale in Türkiye. • Resilience is to absorb tourism-driven changes without altering heritage identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific literature and regulation acknowledge the positive social and economic impacts of local food productions, especially for Geographical Indication products, but their relationship with environmental sustainability remains still to be better investigated. The current European reform of the Geographical Indications system is adopting environment protection as one of the main objectives, in conformity with the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies. In this framework, the present paper is aimed to show how Geographical Indications food products are related to environmental sustainability by the means of a systematic literature review. Firstly, the relevant publications are analyzed and classified referring to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Results show a contradictory picture regarding the positive and negative implications of Geographical Indications production for the different components of environmental protection (e.g., SDG 9 or SDG 12). Secondly, the literature analysis identifies four features (namely products specification, producers' environmental consciousness, role of institutions and link with the territory) of Geographical Indications that may mitigate environmental pressures, when present. Finally, after the analysis of the current and emerging European Geographical Indications regulation, policy suggestions are advanced. In particular, to enhance the environmental sustainability of Geographical Indication products, explicit environmental objectives should be introduced in Geographical Indication specification, while consciousness of producers, multidimensional cooperation and link with the territory should be strengthened. [Display omitted] • Environmental impacts of GIs are investigated since controversial in the literature. • The SDGs-based classification of the contributions shows a focus on SDGs 2 and 12. • Four drivers to make GIs effective for environmental sustainability are identified. • New explicit criteria in GI specification should be defined accordingly. • GI mark could incorporate environmental features due to the new EU regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing an eco-civilization is crucial in achieving green, low-carbon development, and thus bridging the gap between theory and practice is imperative to better promote urban ecological transformation. At present, there are inconsistencies and imbalances between theoretical research and practical efforts to achieve an eco-civilization. This paper uses bibliometric analysis and Latent Dirichlet Allocation to analyze China's progress towards an eco-civilization at the theoretical and practical levels. The 'theory' is analyzed using 632 articles, while the 'practice' is analyzed using 100 eco-civilization pilot zone reports. The two are compared, with results showing: from 2015 onwards, the theory is moving in an interdisciplinary direction, with seven themes focusing on macro topics. eco-civilization construction projects have multiple overlapping themes, and the growing connection between energy consumption, economic growth and environmental impacts driven by significant projects is the key to improving the level of regional ecological development. the theory and practice are similar in that both are concerned with environmental protection, ecological education, and ecotourism. However, eco-civilization construction projects lack forward-looking and dynamic development tracking of low-carbon research. the paper proposes that dynamic evaluation and project tracking methods should be applied to monitor critical indicators to achieve a solid link between the theory and practice during eco-construction projects. This paper also proposes academia should do more research on townships and other micro level phenomena to promote climate change and energy revolution in the construction of a Chinese eco-civilization. • Analysis of the similarities and differences between theoretical research and practical measures of eco-civilization. • Academic research focuses on sustainability, while practical activities lack attention to climate change. • Optimizing the energy-economy-environment integration project is the key to improving China's ecology. • Environmental protection, eco-civilization education, and eco-tourism are common concerns in the theory and practice. • Suggestions include focusing on crucial indicators and micro-level activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling waste for soil improvement is a cost-effective strategy to mitigate the energy consumption and carbon emission of traditional stabilization materials (cement, lime, etc.). This paper proposes an eco-friendly geotechnical improvement using recycled polyester fiber (RPF) and red mud to synergistically reinforce volcanic ash. For red mud -reinforced volcanic ash (RV) with five different RPF contents, a series of mechanical tests, water stability tests, microstructure tests and environmental impact tests were performed. Results show that RPF can significantly improve the mechanical performance and water stability of RV. The reinforcement increases with increasing RPF content, and the optimum contents of RPF is 0.9%. For specimens with optimum RPF incorporation, Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), splitting tensile strength are increased by 122%, 180%, respectively. It also allows saturated soil to still maintain higher UCS and the soil does not completely disintegrate in submerged environment. The pH value and toxicity leaching indicators of specimens both satisfy the specification limits and therefore the material has no environmental hazard. TGA, FT-IR and SEM-EDS indicate that the reinforcement mechanism of RPF on RV derives mainly from fiber-matrix interactions, including interface bonding, bridging effect and limiting micro-cracks development. RPF reinforced RV presents favorable engineering performance as a sustainable construction material and can contribute to the win-win objective of environmental conservation and waste recycling. This low-carbon and sustainable soil improvement technology can serve and guide the design of geotechnical engineering in volcanic areas. • Recycled polyester fiber and red mud are used to co-improve volcanic ash. • Mechanical strength and erosion resistance of fiber-reinforced soil are evaluated. • Reinforcement mechanisms are investigated from microstructural perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The packaging of consumer goods is considered a main cause of household waste. Worldwide institutions are pressing companies to realize solutions that minimize packaging and comply with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Similarly, emerging EU Directives are prompting countries and operators to cut off the packaging of fast-moving consumer goods. The offer of package-free products – alternatively named bulk products – represents an effective solution. Applying a mixed method approach to data collected during and after the pandemic, this paper explores consumers' propensity for bulk products, identifying potential benefits and barriers consumers face when buying package-free products. We find that consumers are keen to buy bulk products not to conform to society but as they perceive it as a personal contribution to environmental protection. However, greater familiarity with package-free products is necessary for adopting this emerging pro-environmental behavior. Thus, we encourage i) manufacturers to develop and propose new package-free lines, ii) retailers to provide package-free assortment options to attract new consumer targets, iii) institutions and policymakers to promote sustainable behavior among citizens favoring familiarity with this shopping option. • We present bulk products as a solution to address packaging waste. • We adopt a mixed-method approach to explores consumers' propensity for bulk products. • We identify potential benefits and barriers that consumers face when buying package-free products. • Consumers perceive bulk products as a personal contribution to environmental protection. • Greater familiarity with package-free products is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic review of the research literature that applies quantitative techniques to inform incentive programs and policies promoting pro-environmental behavior and technology adoption among individual consumers. The paper points out that, while the number of active incentive programs is large, there is a dire need for scientific advances that could increase their impact in calculated ways. The expertise of the operations research and management science community, as well as industrial, systems, civil, and environmental engineering experience, appears to be particularly well suited to support such effort. The review covers the research work performed in three areas of practical importance: efficient energy consumption, waste management, and stormwater management. The types of analytical models and data analysis techniques developed to support policy-making in each area are summarized, highlighting the imbalance between the descriptive versus prescriptive contributions made to date. • We review the literature on quantitative methods for incentivizing pro-environmental behavior. • We scope and compare contributions in three areas of global concern - energy, waste, and water -. • We classify the efforts by method and impact: descriptive, predictive, or prescriptive. • We justify a dire need for more scientific advances in support of effective distribution of incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers an approach to long-term planning for an industrial sector that is sensitive to climate change, the state of adjacent natural environments and the associated socioeconomic developments. The paper combines exploratory and target-seeking scenarios to understand the future challenges of nature-based blue tourism under alternative global futures, and to develop sequences of actions to accomplish the best achievable future outcome for blue tourism at a local scale. We detail a bottom-up approach to scenario development for tourism, with local stakeholders developing local scenarios within the boundaries provided by the locally extended Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), widely used in climate research. As a demonstration of the approach, a group of invited stakeholders developed locally extended scenario narratives and the adaptation plans for blue tourism for coastal areas surrounding the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland. The co-creation process yielded several recommendations for immediate action concerning protection of the coastal environments, land use planning, internal communication with the sector and coordinated monitoring of economic, ecological, social and cultural sustainability indicators. The approach offers a way forward for systematically assessing the future risks and opportunities that a changing environment and society create for blue tourism. • Exploratory and normative scenarios are combined to study future challenges of blue tourism. • Locally extended SSPs provide the boundaries for adapting to changing climate and societal conditions. • A group of stakeholders developed scenario narratives and adaptation plans for coastal Helsinki. • Consistent land use and marine spatial planning are keys to safeguarding future opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A regional green development index system is established based on the "driver-pressure-state-impact-response" model. • The level of regional green development in Hubei, China, is rising, and the gap between regions is narrowing. • The inter-regional spillover effect of green development is greater than the intra-regional spillover effect. • Technological innovation and the living environment have a positive spillover effect on green development. Green development strives to harmonize economic and social development with environmental protection. It is an innovative development model for people to follow in response to global climate change. This paper first combines the "driver-pressure-state-impact-response" (DPSIR) model with the entropy weighting method to measure the level of green development in Hubei Province from 2010 to 2018. Then, the spatial Durbin model (SDM) is used to analyse in depth the spatiotemporal evolutionary pattern and spatial spillover effects. The results indicate that after 2014, the levels of green development increased significantly and that regional differences gradually shrank. ρ = 0.409 indicates that the green development level has a positive spatial spillover effect, and the spillover effect between regions is greater than that within a region. The spatial spillover effects of the industrial structure and growth efficiency are −2.17 and −8.64, respectively, while the spatial spillover effects of technological innovation and the living environment are 7.35 and 0.32, respectively. Based on our findings, we provide several policy recommendations for developing countries to achieve green, coordinated and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of Geographical Indications in cheese mountain areas, exploring their potential to contribute to landscape and environmental sustainability by drawing on field work and documental evidences from Cabrales (Asturias, NW Spain). The Cabrales mountain, nestled in the Picos de Europa National Park, embraces a millenary culture linked to the elaboration of an intense flavor blue cheese. The commercial success of this cheese motivated, 40 years ago, the creation of the Cabrales Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). From that moment on, the implementation of certain control measures that affect the production process, together with the increase in demand, led to the disappearance of small producers and to the intensification of livestock management practices. Cheese producers took the opportunity that the PDO label gave them, and the PDO provided the context in which cheese production became an effective barrier against the degradation of the rural system. However, nowadays the intensification of livestock management practices constitutes the main threat to landscape and environmental conservation. Therefore, Local administrators and stakeholders should consider the need to reinforce the idea of a product whose quality is linked to environmental and landscape sustainability through the maintenance of the traditional extensive management practices. • Cabrales cheese production acts as a barrier against the demotion of the rural system. • Increased demand caused the emergence of differences in cheese production. • Extensive production is linked to a superior cheese that increases brand prestige. • Intensification of livestock management practices hinders landscape conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shifting from fossil-fuel (FF) to renewable energy systems, a process known as energy transition (ET ) , is crucial for developing countries as the ET brings new opportunities to accomplish leapfrog development for achieving carbon neutrality. Parallel to climate change, developing countries face energy security and independence issues with extra pressures such as the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing inequality. Taking Mexico as a case, four ET scenarios under "gradual" or "rapid" narratives are developed with the Kaya Identity. Gradual Transition Scenarios (GTS) present a business-as-usual scenario with natural gas as the most significant fuel in the supply mix due to economic and social concerns. Rapid Transition Scenarios (RTS) propose a combination of FF and renewables or a full deployment of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). The results show that GTS reach 491∼ 501 Mt CO 2 emissions in 2050, risking a carbon lock-in, stranded assets and economic losses. RTS reach 87∼103 Mt CO 2 in 2050 with RES prioritization, energy efficiency improvements and coal phase-out. In particular, following GTS would mean failing to join global efforts to limit warming temperature to 1.5 °C. Alternatively, following RTS brings Mexico closer to achieve carbon neutrality. Several strategies are proposed, including reducing the carbon intensity of the energy supply mix, increasing energy efficiency, prioritizing environmental protection, improving actions based on science, and promoting environmental education and awareness. This paper presents a consistent methodology to encourage ET in developing countries where the role of science is still not fully exploited under the goal of carbon neutrality. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing economic crisis and strict government policies and regulations regarding the environment have forced the battery industries to practice the recycling process for both economic and environmental benefits. Moreover the consideration of sustainability issues makes the recycling process more significant, successful implementation of recycling activity in the battery industry requires several strategic decisions. Among these decisions, a complex decision faced by the management is to identify the suitable location for the establishment of a formal Battery Recycling Plant (BRP). In this research work, a three-stage hybrid methodology with the combination of ISM (Interpretive Structural Modeling), fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), and fuzzy COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment of Alternatives) methods was proposed to select the best sustainable location from the available options for BRP in India. In this study, a total of eight experts were selected from both academia and industry. Initially in this paper, 4 main sustainable criteria and 20 sustainable sub-criteria were considered from the literature review and field visits along with experts' opinions for evaluation of alternatives. This work contains three stages. In the first stage, the ISM method was used to filter 18 important sustainable sub-criteria from the primary list of 20 sub-criteria, based on its higher driving power. Then, fuzzy AHP was applied in the second stage to compute the criteria weights. In the last stage, the fuzzy COPRAS was used to rank and choose the best sustainable location for BRP. The findings emphasize that the Environmental protection level, Distance from residential areas, Distance from water source, Capital investment, Government policies, Social acceptance, Availability of scrap batteries, and Availability of utilities were the most significant criteria in the sustainability dimension. Thus, the present work helps the management in the selection of an appropriate sustainable location for BRP. [Display omitted] • A hybrid methodology was proposed for selecting battery recycling plant location. • Sustainable criteria are considered for decision making. • Interpretive Structural Modeling was used to identify the noteworthy criteria. • Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied to obtain the criteria weights. • Fuzzy Complex Proportional Assessment of Alternatives was used to select location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Successfully identified the interface between the BE and the total environment by network analysis. • A direct link between the BE and the total environment increasingly invoked, yet interactions remain vague. • Three key-links found between the BE and total environment; sustainability, resources, and development. • Core topics for the BE included growth, spatial planning, environmental management and sustainability. • Identified research clusters showed key knowledge domains and future agenda with the needs of the BE. The term 'Blue Economy (BE)' is increasingly popular in modern environmental research. The concept seeks to explore ocean-based development opportunities with environmental stewardship and protection. Yet different scholars and actors adopt this term often in conflicting ways without attempting to explore the relevance and the link between the blue economy and the broader environment viz., total environment. The potential opportunities to resolve the conflicts require a better understanding of the impacts and/or interactions of the BE on the total environment. This paper aims to map the interface between the two for a better understanding of the total environment and implications for the BE. Using a systematic literature review, this study finds that the field of the blue economy in association with the total environment is very new and emerging in the literature, and the link between the BE and the total environment is increasingly being invoked, yet clarity on the link or interactions remain vague. By analysing the co-occurrence of selected keywords and networks, we present six clusters (three for general relationship, and the other three for specific dimensions of total environment). In a general relationship between the BE and the total environment, clusters of environmental sustainability, marine resource, and economic development are identified to link directly to the BE. In specific dimensions of the total environment, clusters of growth and sustainable development, spatial planning and environmental management, and environmental sustainability and the BE are presented. The analysis outcomes show that specific areas from the total environment (growth, spatial planning, environmental management, and environmental sustainability) are directly linked to the BE where a call for a wider range of studies in the future is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An integrative framework was proposed from view of strong sustainability. • The framework can coordinate socio-economic and environmental dimensions well. • Large differences were found among socio-economic and environmental dimensions. Sustainability is related to the coordination of a complex system that constitutes by society, economy, and environment. In particular, environmental factor is frequently considered irreplaceable among them. This paper proposed a framework for regional sustainability assessment by coupling environmental factor and an improved Human Development Index (HDI). The performance of the framework was then analyzed using the 66 counties in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China as a case study. On this basis, spatio-temporal assessment on the regional sustainability was assessed from the dimensions of society, economy, and environment. Results showed that the proposed framework could capture both socio-economic and environmental dimensions well to reflect the regional sustainability in the YRD. Specifically, it showed that sustainability was continuously improved in the YRD from 2000 to 2015. However, the sustainability revealed large differences among distinct dimensions. For instances, socio-economic sustainability was improved in 78.79% of the counties in the YRD from 2000 to 2015, but their environmental sustainability was declining in the same period. Spatially, the overall sustainability of the YRD showed autocorrelations and diverse aggregation characteristics among counties from 2000 to 2015. It is therefore essential to coordinate environment protection and economic development according to each city's characteristic to realize sustainable development in future decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]