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This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements and challenges of anaerobic digestion technology in waste stream treatment plants under the framework of the circular economy, emphasizing its role in achieving "dual carbon" goals. As climate change intensifies, with waste stream treatment contributing significantly to global emissions, there is a pressing need to optimize energy efficiency and reduce carbon outputs in this sector. Anaerobic digestion is highlighted as a solution for converting organic waste into renewable biogas and digestate, enabling energy self-sufficiency and reducing greenhouse gasses. The study highlights that anaerobic digestion enables the conversion of organic waste into renewable biogas and nutrient-rich digestate, facilitating energy self-sufficiency and significant reductions in GHG emissions. Successful implementations, such as in Weifang, China, demonstrate the feasibility of upgrading biogas into biomethane for local energy use. Advanced technologies like bioelectrochemical methanation and membrane bioreactors enhance biogas production efficiency, while co-digestion proves effective even in challenging conditions. Despite these advancements, the review identifies critical challenges, including high investment costs, technical inefficiencies, and regulatory barriers, particularly in developing countries. This study provides insights into integrating anaerobic digestion with circular economy principles and offers a foundation for future policies and research aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric review and visualization of smart and sustainable energy consumption, delving into the challenges and opportunities of developing renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The study examines research trends and emerging themes about integrating smart solutions and sustainable energy resource consumption. The analytical methods used involve thoroughly analyzing empirical data, case studies, and review papers to map the research landscape. The results highlight dominant research topics, influential authors, and publication timelines in this field. The review identifies the key challenges in harnessing renewable and non-renewable energy sources, including the need for reliable energy sources, energy storage systems, and smart grid technologies. The paper concludes with insights into the most effective practices for promoting smart and energy-efficient methods while emphasizing the complexity of sustainable energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a growing body of research has focused on the environment and economic growth nexus. However, there has not been much research done on how environmentally friendly technologies and institutional quality affect pollution levels. It is found that in developed countries, the rate of environmental deterioration has slowed thanks to more sustainable environmental regulations, advances in technology, and improvements in the quality of institutions. In contrast, limited modern technology in developing nations has resulted in havens of high carbon emissions. Therefore, the current research tried to analyze the environmental quality by using green technologies (GT), institutional quality (IQ), and energy efficiency (EE) as independent variables. In this study, we utilized data from 1995 to 2019 from BRICS countries to estimate long-term and short-term relationships. Used second-generation econometric techniques indicated that IQ, GT, and EE repair reduced environmental damage. The EKC does not exist, which means pollution in selected countries will improve with an expansion in economic activities. In the long term, a reform in institutions and more spending are required on green technologies to secure a sustainable future in BRICS countries. Results hold up when it comes to policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the growing need for environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, solar greenhouses represent an important element of green technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact and increasing energy efficiency in agriculture. This paper presents an analysis of the coefficient of natural heat accumulation of solar radiation in the soil of translucent film fencing of hemispherical solar greenhouses. The study covers the dynamics of daily heat accumulation and identifies key factors affecting the efficiency of heat exchange inside the greenhouses. The method of heat engineering calculation of solar heating solar greenhouses, compiled balance equations for individual volumes, parts and in general greenhouses with their subsequent solution, the calculated expressions of solar greenhouses in autumn and spring during which heating in film solar greenhouses of semi-cylindrical shape, depending on the number of layers and orientation to the cardinal points of their translucent fencing and can be illuminated only through the use of solar energy. Based on the analysis of graphical dependencies constructed with the proposed calculation expressions, the degrees of influence of the orientation of the semi-cylindrical translucent film enclosure to the cardinal points, the presence or absence of vegetation in solar greenhouses, the number of layers of the translucent enclosure and external meteorological conditions on the formation of the daily cycle of air and soil surface temperature inside solar greenhouses are established. The obtained results contribute to the optimization of solar greenhouse parameters and the development of efficient methods for using solar energy, which is important for sustainable development and the introduction of green technologies in the agricultural sector.

Currently, there is a positive trend towards sustainable development, an element of which is not only a comfortable, but also a healthy urban environment. Within the framework of the sustainable development, guidelines are being actively formed for a high-quality urban environment that ensures a high level of duration and quality of life for the population. Notably, providing a comfortable and healthy urban environment is a profitable economic strategy that will save significant funds “for the treatment of diseases that have not occurred in the future”. One of the effective tools for ensuring the health of the city is green building. The problem of the ecology of the city remains relevant, which can be ensured by the presence of green building; however, there are currently a number of factors hindering the development of this policy in Russia. The purpose of this study is to identify these problems and develop mechanisms for their solution. During the study, the following methods were used: analysis of statistical data, comparison, generalization, literature analysis, SWOT analysis, expert assessments, monitoring, forecasting. The authors carried out a detailed analysis of the concept of green building and a healthy city, considered the theoretical foundations within these areas, analyzed the legal framework governing green building and the achievement of sustainable development goals in the Russian Federation, identified problems and factors hindering the development of green building in Russia, ways of solving the identified problems are proposed, for the first time the policy of green building is considered as a tool to improve the health of the city. The necessity of participation of the authorities in the development of green building in the Russian Federation, economic incentives for market participants, the cultivation of qualified personnel, and the improvement of the legal framework governing green building in Russia is proved. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the proposed proposals can be implemented in the practice of the authorities. It seems appropriate in further research to study in more detail the environmental and economic assessments of green building facilities; carrying out to reveal the influence of foreign standards of ecological construction on the formation of Russian eco-standards.

The research is dedicated to sustainable development at commercial properties in Russia. A case study of shopping centers developers, supermarkets and DIY store practices have been conducted to estimate the role of retail developers at creating the comfortable urban environment. The survey points out that sustainable measures are widely used by developers, including water and energy efficiency, waste management, smart building technologies and even a green mall construction. Conscious behavior and healthy lifestyle are promoted, such social aspects as inclusivity, accessibility, charity and direct help are shared. Similar elements of sustainable development for different segments of retail are presented in the table, as well as specific examples are given. Motivation of real estate developers to attribute to creating comfortable urban environment is highlighted and certain effects are demonstrated.

In an effort to lower operating costs and improve competitiveness, many organizations today are preparing projects in the field of energy saving. On the other hand, companies that provide energy services and implement these projects, need to build competences in this area to well manage the projects which are subject to energy savings and by this to justify the confidence of investors. This paper presents research that shows the most important factors for the development of local capacity in project management in the field of energy efficiency.

The paper presents the main aspects of the environmental technologies sector nowadays in Japan. Basing on the governmental definition of «ecological innovations», eco-innovations are developed according to the traditional Japanese concept of value creation – «monozukuri». Ecological innovations include technological improvements as well as social reforms. So far the paper draws an attention on two types of innovations: engineering technologies and social reforms (programms, education etc.). Basing on governmental Programs and open data bases the most important environmental technologies for nowadays in Japan are defined. From author’s point of view the first vector for Japan is «green energy» (alternative energy, energy efficiency) – innovations concern the challenge of climate change. Regarding this issue the aspects and technologies from «The Cool Earth Innovative Energy Technology Program» are described. The second vector is eco-innovations for pollution control and waste utilization – the traditional sector for Japan from 1970s. And the third one is defined as information and communication technologies for environmental challenges («green ICT») – the new vector for Japan as well as for the other countries. In the paper the issues of research and development activities, financial issues eco-innovations’ management and transfer are considered. The role of Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP) is discussed. The significant issue of verification of new technologies realized by Ministry of Environment in Japan is mentioned.

Over the last few decades, the globalization phenomenon has determined the exponential development - from an economic, cultural and political standpoint - of traffic flows, the number of means and infrastructures involved in communication and exchange. At the same time, these represent one of the most complicated environmental issues of contemporary times, but perhaps also one of the most outstanding opportunities for setting up processes aimed at upgrading the territory and its constructions, towards environmental regeneration and social reorganization. These, in turn, would produce and spread (as in some already established examples of infrastructure upgrading) innovative and more sustainable forms of urban lifestyles. The present contribution aims at illustrating the former, beginning with research and experiments involving the development of eco-friendly meta-design models for the correct employment of “green technologies” in: meta-project research for small mobility facilities; expansion and redevelopment works for the Stazione Termini; experiments in design for some energy-efficient underground metro stops in Rome.

The present work researches the possibilities of solving in a realistic and economically-sound way the design of new energy-efficient buildings in Romania. Such solutions would be a way to answer to the problems resulting from the continuous increase of energy consumption, from the continuous rising of energy production costs and decrease of the respective natural resources at a global level. Although the concept of energy-efficient houses is a well-known subject in the international scientific and political community, unfortunately in Romania this concept, though frequently discussed at the theoretical level, is rarely applied to the building process of new constructions. The approach undertaken in this study is based on the mixing of efficient technological and architectural solutions. The present study describes the phases of a pilot project built in Timisoara since 2010, a new construction using new energy efficient technologies available on the Romanian market. Designed as an energy-efficient house, the energy consumption of this project was followed for 4 years and a new improvement is planned to be implemented. The purpose is to reduce the energy cost by installing photovoltaic systems and using the available solar energy even more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of green buildings in New Zealand is increasing. One of the main drivers for this increase is the intention to reduce energy consumption. Locally relevant planning and management tools for “green buildings” at operational level are required. Constructing green buildings does not ensure energy-efficient performance. Facilities' management plays an important role in achieving energy-efficient performance. Energy-management strategies have been identified from the literature and tested against current practice. These strategies are tested using case studies to examine the extent to which facilities' management implement energy-efficient measures. Results show green technologies that were inefficient during the operational phase and found that measures to engage occupants in energy conservation goal vary in effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Over the last few decades, the globalization phenomenon has determined the exponential development - from an economic, cultural and political standpoint - of traffic flows, the number of means and infrastructures involved in communication and exchange. At the same time, these represent one of the most complicated environmental issues of contemporary times, but perhaps also one of the most outstanding opportunities for setting up processes aimed at upgrading the territory and its constructions, towards environmental regeneration and social reorganization. These, in turn, would produce and spread (as in some already established examples of infrastructure upgrading) innovative and more sustainable forms of urban lifestyles. The present contribution aims at illustrating the former, beginning with research and experiments involving the development of eco-friendly meta-design models for the correct employment of "green technologies" in: meta-project research for small mobility facilities; expansion and redevelopment works for the Stazione Termini; experiments in design for some energy-efficient underground metro stops in Rome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]