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Energy supply chain resilience and sustainability are essential for dependable, ecologically responsible energy availability, reducing disruptions, and creating a sustainable future. In this regard, this study explores the resilience and sustainability of a single energy supply chain through two distinct scenarios. The focus is on a manufacturer capable of sourcing products from renewable and non-renewable power plants. Although the renewable power plant is the preferred clean option, disruptions may occur. On the other hand, the fossil fuel power plant offers reliability at the cost of environmental impact. The manufacturer employs two sourcing strategies based on disruption probabilities: single sourcing from just the renewable power plant and dual sourcing from fossil and renewable power plants. In the second scenario, a collaboration between the power plants is introduced. If a disruption occurs at the renewable power plant, it orders the fossil fuel power plant to generate electricity on its behalf. Using a game-theoretic approach, the research examines the effects of dual-sourcing techniques, and the efficacy of cooperation in minimising disruptions. It also examines the trade-offs between energy supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability. The results shed light on sourcing strategy decision-making and add to the literature on sustainable and resilient energy supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the growing green awareness and increasingly stringent emission regulations, heavy-emitting supply chains are required to re-schedule their operations for environmental responsibility. Although coordination helps the supply chains overcome the decentralised disadvantages to achieve desirable profits, literature considering option contracts under emission constraints, especially combining warehousing contracts, remains scarce. This paper fills this research gap with the novelty in the dual-contract-coordinated decision analysis for achieving profit maximum and emission reduction targets considering customers' green awareness through option and warehousing contracts, based on the originality of using the Lagrange-Stackelberg optimisation method, which overcomes the difficulty in expressing the first-mover's decisions and simplifies the problem-solving process. Analytical and numerical results show that Pareto-efficient coordination can be fully achieved by the option contract if the warehousing contract ensures the same inventory costs before and after coordination. Otherwise, partial coordination also raises insiders' profitability only through the option contract. Purchasing extra emissions with green investment is the best in most cases. The contract-maker should deliberate its contract settings including the option and wholesale prices, as well as warehousing, to develop Pareto-efficient coordination. Sustainability comes at a cost, but coordination raises profitability and emission mitigation in a well-built ETS market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent management research suggests that firms try to orchestrate conformity and distinctiveness in their behavior to reconcile opposing demands of norm compliance and competitive distinction in order to appear optimally distinct. Whether they succeed or not depends on how audiences perceive the multiple signals they elicit. Extant literature has not fully uncovered how the media combine these different signals to form a representation of firms' behavior and their subsequent reactions to these combinations. We adopt a configurational approach to address this gap in the environmental sustainability context. Drawing on unique proprietary data on 118 cases in the energy utility industry and using fsQCA, we determine that different equifinal signal configurations are associated with positive media coverage regarding environmental behavior or the lack thereof. We then generate five patterns of signals that explain media reactions and disentangle the underlying logics behind them. Our study adds to the research on the multifaceted nature of signal (in)congruence perception by discussing the role of conformity and distinctiveness and highlighting that this perception depends on the signals' credibility. Delivering a balanced orchestration of conformity and distinctiveness signals is possible, but complex, because audiences tend to penalize incongruent postures they cannot associate with a given category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable finance 'thought leaders' call for metrics as the key to aligning investment with sustainability objectives and harnessing the market for 'good'. In this article, we consider how measurement is used in sustainable finance through three case studies of financial instruments described as bonds (green, forest, and impact) and develop Sally Engle Merry's concept of 'indicator literacy' as a contribution to critical geographies of sustainable finance. Through ethnography, we explore how labelling financial products as sustainable (and therefore moral) increasingly relies on claims to achieve measurable outcomes and how attention to spatial and scalar dynamics illuminates what this leaves out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses a gap in understanding how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can effectively inspire their employees to adopt voluntary environmental behaviours, specifically aimed at mitigating climate change impacts on climate-threatened tourism destinations. Through smart PLS-SEM analysis of 437 valid responses from SME employees, an extended theoretical framework is developed, encompassing factors such as environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainable intelligence, environmental empathy, environmental engagement, affective place attachment, and environmental citizenship behaviours. Findings reveal the direct relationship between enterprises' environmental CSR practices and employees' environmental citizenship behaviour. Mediating roles of empathy, engagement, and place attachment are identified in predicting employees' voluntary pro-environmental behaviours in mitigating climate change impacts on destinations. The study also highlights the moderation effect of employees' occupations on the relationship between environmental engagement and pro-nature conservation behaviour. Implications are drawn for empowering SME employees' environmental citizenship behaviour and promoting sustainable co-management of vulnerable tourism destinations facing climate change threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finance plays an increasing role in the global governance of sustainability. To explain the rise of finance, scholarship is increasingly turning to the financial sector as a producer of policy-relevant knowledge. However, scholarship has paid little attention to how differences within the financial sector affect such knowledge production. This article differentiates two important ways how the financial sector addresses sustainability: investments following environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, and impact investing. Whereas diversified ESG investing is centered around index and data providers, impact investors manage non-listed assets and develop idiosyncratic 'impact' approaches. I introduce the term 'epistemic gerrymandering' to describe how impact investors tailor 'impact' to their financial portfolios and to explain how the resulting heterogeneity and ambiguity is stabilized. Tracing the historical development of impact investing from three distinct strands into a transnational club, I argue that the club structure, together with impact investors' proximity to private wealth management, explains the persistence of epistemic gerrymandering. As a knowledge regime, epistemic gerrymandering reinforces three dynamics of particular importance to political economists: the subjugation of sustainability to financial returns, the restriction of access to epistemic arenas to wealthy elites, and the rechanneling of charitable and public resources to de-risk private investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nHIGHLIGHTWith the popularization of electric vehicles and the wide application of power batteries, the explosion and environmental pollution problems caused by power batteries are increasing day by day. Therefore, this study focuses on selecting optimal recycling modes for power battery reverse supply chains under environmental responsibility. Three models were analyzed: manufacturer-led decentralized decision-making, centralized decision-making, and consumer-led decision-making. Results from MATLAB examples indicate that manufacturer-led decentralization suits small enterprises reliant on local third-party recycling. Centralized decision-making is cost-effective for large manufacturers with advanced technology and brand recognition. Consumer-led approaches offer flexibility and adaptability, ideal for innovative firms. Meanwhile, the effective implementation of environmental responsibility not only promotes the active participation of consumers in recycling activities, but also increases the recycling amount of used batteries. While protecting the environment, enterprises also achieve profit maximization, reduce costs and increase efficiency. In this paper, the selection of waste power battery recycling mode under environmental responsibility is studied, and constructs and compares three recycling modes: manufacturer-led, decentralized decision-making and consumer-led.The effects of the level of environmental responsibility on the profits of enterprises and the recovery rate of waste batteries were analyzed.Fulfilling a certain degree of environmental responsibility can help increase corporate profits and the amount of recycling of used power batteries.In this paper, the selection of waste power battery recycling mode under environmental responsibility is studied, and constructs and compares three recycling modes: manufacturer-led, decentralized decision-making and consumer-led.The effects of the level of environmental responsibility on the profits of enterprises and the recovery rate of waste batteries were analyzed.Fulfilling a certain degree of environmental responsibility can help increase corporate profits and the amount of recycling of used power batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduced the emotional factor of empathy with nature and constructed a comprehensive model comprising the value-identity-personal norm and the normative activation models to examine the formation mechanism of tourists' ecological compensation behavioural willingness (ECBW). Furthermore, it analysed the effects of biospheric values, environmental self-identity, empathy with nature, personal norms, and ascription of responsibility on ECBW via structural equation modelling. The findings show that except for the construct of biospheric values, all variables directly affect the ECBW. Environmental self-identity and empathy with nature fully mediate biospheric values and ECBW, respectively, suggesting that there is an arousal mechanism between biospheric values and ECBW. The comprehensive model in this study had a stronger predictive power in explaining ECBW than the two single models. This study revealed the formation mechanism of tourists' ECBW and regards it as a subdimension of environmentally responsible behaviour (ERB) with compensatory features that broaden the understanding of ERB. It also extends the theoretical framework of ERB research by focusing on specific natural-emotional factors. This study has management implications for tourism destinations to strengthen tourists' ECBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, glaciers have gained increasing popularity as tourist destinations while experiencing rapid retreat due to climate change. The accelerated glacial recession worldwide calls for carbon reduction and sustainable glacier conservation and management. To this end, simply prohibiting tourists from visiting may not be as effective, comparing to engaging them through innovative means to promote pro-environmental behavior. This paper examined factors that influence tourists' low-carbon behavior while on-site and after their visits to glaciers through two studies (Study 1 – on-site visitor survey; Study 2 – a scenario experiment using glacier virtual reality games). Results showed that tourist engagement positively influenced their low-carbon behavior, but was mediated by the sequential influence of place attachment and environmental responsibility. The perceived threat of glacier shrinkage moderated this relationship. Results also provide practical implications for sustainable tourism management at glacier destinations and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does the aspiration performance gap affect environmental responsibility of family firms? Using the theory of performance feedback theory and panel data from 6268 Chinese A‐share listed manufacturing family firms from 2011 to 2021, the study shows that (1) The positive aspiration performance gap negatively affects environmental responsibility, while the absolute negative aspiration performance gap shows an inverted U‐shaped relationship. (2) Second generation involvement in management has varying moderating effects on the relationship between different aspiration performance gaps and environmental responsibility. These results enhance the understanding of the heterogeneity in family firms' strategic behaviors and provide valuable insights for family firms' strategic decision‐making regarding environmental responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Financial institutions actively seek to leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) across diverse operations in the field. Especially, the adoption of AI advisors has a significant impact on trading and investing in the stock market. The purpose of this paper is to test whether AI advisors are less preferred compared to human advisors for investing and whether this algorithm aversion diminishes for trading. Design/methodology/approach: The four hypotheses regarding the direct and indirect relationships between variables are tested in five experiments that collect data from Prolific. Findings: The results of the five experiments reveal that, for investing, consumers are less likely to use AI advisors in comparison to human advisors. However, this reluctance to AI advisors decreases for trading. The author identifies the perceived importance of careful decision-making for investing and trading as the psychological mechanism. Specifically, the greater emphasis on careful decision-making in investing, as compared to trading, leads to consumers' tendency to avoid AI advisors. Originality/value: This research is the first to investigate whether algorithm aversion varies based on whether one's approach to the stock market is investing or trading. Furthermore, it contributes to the literature on carefulness by exploring the interaction between a stock market approach and the lay belief that algorithms lack the capability to deliberate carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates a closed‐loop supply chain where the manufacturer and the retailer share corporate environmental responsibility regarding the environmental impact caused by non‐collected used products. To model the interactions between the two players, game theoretical models are established. The results show that (1) when the manufacturer's environmental responsibility is high, the follower‐managed collection is better than the leader‐managed collection. (2) The collection rate rises if the membership with high corporate environmental responsibility leads the channel or manages the collection. (3) Unless the manufacturer or consumers' environmental responsibility is sufficiently high, the retail price is higher in retailer‐managed collection than manufacturer‐managed collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatility of crude oil markets and the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions have sparked significant interest in forecasting methodologies that can better capture market dynamics and incorporate environmentally responsible indicators. In this study, we address the gaps in the literature by proposing novel hybrid approaches based on combining wavelet decomposition with machine learning techniques (ANN-Wavelet and SVR-Wavelet) and advanced machine learning techniques (XGBoost and GBM) with advanced clean energy indicators to predict crude oil prices. These hybrid models significantly advance the field by reducing noise and improving result accuracy. Besides, these approaches were used to determine the best model for predicting crude oil market prices. Additionally, we employed the SHapely Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm to analyze and interpret the models, enhancing transparency and explainability. Subsequently, we applied SHAP to investigate the predictive value of various asset classes, including the volatility index (VIX), precious metal markets (gold and silver), fuel markets (gasoline and natural gas), as well as green and renewable energy indices, about crude oil prices. The results reveal that the wavelet-SVR model demonstrates consistent and robust forecasting performance with low RMSE and MAPE values. Additionally, the GBM model emerges as highly accurate, yielding shallow forecasting errors. Conversely, the wavelet-ANN and XGBoost models exhibit mixed performance, showing effectiveness in the Full Sample but reduced accuracy during the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Notably, green and renewable energy markets, such as CGA and NextEra energy (NEE), emerge as significant predictors in forecasting crude oil prices. This research provides critical guidance amidst the Russia–Ukraine conflict in predicting oil prices by emphasizing the importance of incorporating environmentally responsible indicators into investment portfolios and policy choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Green human resource management (GHRM) on implementing lean soft practices in the service sector, specifically in Jordanian service organizations. This study examines the role of organizational flexibility in this dynamic as a mediating component. An extensive Part Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling examination is offered to 399 service sector workers in Amman, Jordan. The research findings have a positive and significant effect of GHRM on lean soft practice implementation. This will help improve the efficacy of GHRM in embracing such practices due to its crucial role and organizational flexibility. This underscores the requirement to embrace flexibility and adoption as essential components of effective organizational integration strategies GHRM. 'The study provides a foundation for the links between GHRM and Organizational Flexibility. This underlies the importance of harnessing human resources in green efforts by providing a flexible work environment. The study results encourage practitioners and decision-makers in the service industry to actively consider workers' perceptions when shaping organizational structures and cultures, giving more excellent value to ones directly supporting pro-environmental behavior. This approach will enable lean software processes to have a more profound impact and drive organizations toward environmentally and socially responsible practices, giving them the power to contribute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The region of Nigeria that produces oil is experiencing a surge in community-based vigilante violence, potentially escalating conflict dynamics and increasing fear of injury. The reason it matters is that neighborhood vigilante groups are more likely to participate in criminal, political, and ethnic plotting and are not always controllable. This prompted us to look into whether GMoU cluster interventions by MOCs could lower the heat map of fatalities from vigilante insurgency in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The results of logit regression and propensity score matching demonstrate that the MOCs' limited CSR efforts to protect the area have been successful in creating, formalizing, equipping, and managing vigilante groups. The results also show that the CSR initiatives have reduced vigilante violence within and between host communities, as well as violence against their residents. This implies that raising awareness of CSR with the goal of strengthening vigilante control will strengthen the local security apparatus, discourage resurgence in the various rural areas, safeguard the workers and equipment of oil firms, and provide a favorable business environment in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The concept of a sustainable warehouse management system (WMS) is a relevant yet under-researched area within warehousing logistics. The purpose of this research is twofold: first, to review the literature on the topic of socially and environmentally sustainable practices; second, to lay the theoretical base for identifying social and environmental sustainability practices in warehousing operations that can serve as focus areas for WMS operational functions. Design/methodology/approach: This research built knowledge on a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis in Scopus Elsevier and Web of Science Core Collection databases. After comprehensively filtering English literature from 2016 to 2024, only 43 out of the initial 601 studies comprised relevant warehousing practices that can be incorporated into the scope of WMS activities. Findings: As a result, retrieved practices were allocated to a specifically designed warehouse model within the main processes, equipment and resources. This model could serve as a baseline for incorporating 48 sustainable WMS practices. The prevailing share of practices focuses on environmental rather than social warehouse sustainability. WMS should adopt sustainable warehousing practices to reduce warehouses' carbon footprint, energy and resource consumption and improve working conditions in a warehouse. Originality/value: There have not been any existing reviews on warehouses' social and environmental sustainability to synthesize knowledge and serve as a base for WMS sustainability. This research will contribute to developing more sustainable and environmentally responsible warehousing operations, ultimately benefiting society and the environment. By incorporating such practices into WMS, warehouse owners can ensure efforts toward social and environmental sustainability while still maintaining efficient operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Using the lens of the natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory, this study investigates the effect of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices such as green manufacturing (GM), eco-design (ED), green purchasing (GP) and investment recovery (IR) on the carbon-neutral supply chain (CNSC) performance of firms through the mediating influence of logistics eco-centricity (LE). Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual framework that hypothesizes the relationship between GSCM practices, LE and the CNSC performance of firms is developed. Key GSCM practices are then identified using experts' opinions. Furthermore, we collected responses from logistics companies to validate the conceptual framework using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Findings: Through this study, we found that GSCM practices significantly improve a firm's CNSC performance, and the relationships between GSCM practices and CNSC performance are positively mediated by LE. Practical implications: The implications of the study suggest that logistics managers can benefit from the findings of this study to comprehend the impact of various GSCM techniques on LE and CNSC from the viewpoint of the NRBV paradigm. Originality/value: This research provides valuable perspectives for managers and supply chain (SC) practitioners in their quest for sustainable and environmentally responsible SC operations through an extensive and novel analysis of the connection between GSCM practices, LE and CNSC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Over the next decade, humanity is going to face big environmental problems, and considering these serious issues, businesses are adopting environmentally responsible practices. To put forward specific measures to achieve a more prosperous environmental future, this study aims to develop an environment-based perspective framework by integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) technology into a sustainable automotive supply chain (SASC). Design/methodology/approach: The study presents a conceptual environmental framework – based on 29 factors constituting four stakeholders' rectifications – that holistically assess the SASC operations as part of the ReSOLVE model utilizing IoT. Then, experts from the SASC, IoT and sustainability areas participated in two rigorous rounds of a Delphi study to validate the framework. Findings: The results indicate that the conceptual environmental framework proposed would help companies enhance the connectivity between major IoT tools in SASC, which would help develop congruent strategies for inducing sustainable growth. Originality/value: This study adds value to existing knowledge on SASC sustainability and digitalization in the context where the SASC is under enormous pressure, competitiveness and increased variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine how clean energy technology companies, achieve sustainable clean energy development, the present study proposes a new model that uses the upper echelons theory to describe how Chinese-specific environmentally responsible leadership (CERL) of chief executive officers (CEOs) influences a company's adoption of green innovation strategy (GIS) via the intermediary role of the environmental organizational citizenship behavior (EOCB) of top management teams (TMTs). The multilevel curve model is used to analyze a survey of 50 CEOs and 150 TMT members collected three times in 6 months, and the results of the analysis support all the hypotheses. The results have three important contributions to the energy and environment field. First, the present study is the first to propose CERL, and CERL can not only promote the development of environmental leadership in the Chinese environment but also achieve the goal of sustainable clean energy operations. Second, the present study employs a specific model to demonstrate how TMTs' EOCB can transform companies' strategic formulations into GIS through the CERL of CEOs. Finally, the present study addresses the cultural gap through CERL, so it makes a significant contribution to the energy and environment field from a cultural dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological accountability reform is an emerging environmental regulatory tool used by transition economies to correct failures and deviations in the traditional central-local environmental governance mode. This paper applies the propensity score matching with difference-in-differences method to test the impact of the central environmental inspection, an ecological accountability mechanism, on the investment efficiency of enterprises. The results reveal that the central environmental inspection can improve the corporate investment efficiency by resisting the urge to over-investment. Furthermore, this policy can improve corporate investment efficiency by dual functions of the incentive effect of increasing R&D investment and the pushback effect of financial risk. After a series of robustness checks, the results remained reliable. Heterogeneity tests show that the effect gradually appears in regions that implemented policy lately or with re-inspection, indicating the necessity of establishing a long-term mechanism. What's more, the positive effect of the central environmental inspection on corporate investment efficiency will be more significant in SOEs, large companies, and companies in provinces with weak environmental regulations. To achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, this paper provides implications for improving collaborative governance system of local environmental protection and strengthening the linkage of environmental regulation and enterprise investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between institutional support, green export strategies, and export performance among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in various sustainability-focused sectors. Design/methodology/approach: Utilising a quantitative approach, structural equation modelling (SEM) is employed to analyse data collected from 227 SMEs in sectors including sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly consumer goods, special woven fabrics, organic food and beverages, green fashion and textiles, and health and wellness. Findings: The study reveals a significant association between institutional support and key aspects of green export readiness, green export activities, and green innovation. Moreover, mediating roles of green innovation, green export readiness, and green export activities are identified, elucidating their influence on the relationship between institutional support and green export strategy. Importantly, effective green export strategies positively impact export performance, enhancing SMEs' competitive positioning in global markets. Originality: This research contributes novel insights into SMEs' engagement in green export, shedding light on the critical role of institutional support and the mediating mechanisms that facilitate the adoption of successful green export strategies. Research limitations: One limitation of this study is the cross-sectional nature of the data, which restricts the ability to establish causal relationships. Future research could explore longitudinal data to further investigate the dynamics between institutional support, green export strategies, and export performance. Practical implications: The findings provide valuable insights for SMEs seeking to enhance their sustainability-driven international business practices. Managers can leverage institutional support and focus on developing green export strategies to improve their export performance and competitiveness in global markets. Social implications: By embracing green export strategies, SMEs can contribute to sustainable development goals and promote environmentally responsible practices in the global marketplace, thereby fostering positive social and environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend in the construction industry to adopt environmentally friendly practices, and innovative materials are becoming increasingly popular. Within the scope of this paper, the potential of natural fiber-reinforced cement composites (NFRCs) as an environmentally friendly building material is examined. This work introduces plant fiber aspects such as micromorphology, primary components, physical and mechanical properties, chemical components, thermal properties, and degradation mechanisms in cement composites. It explores how plant fibers affect concrete's mechanical performance, durability, and thermal qualities. It is responsible for increasing permeability and decreasing durability in concrete material because plant fibers have porosity and a weak interface. The purpose of this in-depth investigation is to investigate the features, sustainability (social, environmental, and economical) performance, and applications of NFRCs, with a particular focus on environmentally responsible innovation and potential future applications. The exhaustive study also addresses the difficulties associated with attaining the highest possible level of compatibility between fibers and matrixes. The physical and chemical treatments of natural fibers in cement components give more resistance to aging by reducing water absorption and increasing roughness at the surface. It is also possible to reduce the effect of alkalinity of the cement mixture through optimization of the binder component and curing regimes, which retard the breakdown of natural fibers. The purpose of this study is to present a summary of existing research, with a particular emphasis on the benefits, drawbacks, and prospective ways in which NFRCs could potentially improve throughout the construction industry in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to understanding semi-automated ergonomic risk assessments in industrial manufacturing environments, proposing a practical tool for enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency. In the Industry 5.0 era, the human-centric approach in manufacturing is crucial, especially considering the aging workforce and the dynamic nature of the entire modern industrial sector, today integrating digital technology, automation, and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and environmental responsibility. This approach aims to adapt work conditions to individual capabilities, addressing the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The traditional, subjective methods of ergonomic assessment are inadequate for dynamic settings, highlighting the need for affordable, automatic tools for continuous monitoring of workers' postures to evaluate ergonomic risks effectively during tasks. To enable this perspective, 2D RGB Motion Capture (MoCap) systems based on computer vision currently seem the technologies of choice, given their low intrusiveness, cost, and implementation effort. However, the reliability and applicability of these systems in the dynamic and varied manufacturing environment remain uncertain. This research benchmarks various literature proposed MoCap tools and examines the viability of MoCap systems for ergonomic risk assessments in Industry 5.0 by exploiting one of the benchmarked semi-automated, low-cost and non-intrusive 2D RGB MoCap system, capable of continuously monitoring and analysing workers' postures. By conducting experiments across varied manufacturing environments, this research evaluates the system's effectiveness in assessing ergonomic risks and its adaptability to different production lines. Results reveal that the accuracy of risk assessments varies by specific environmental conditions and workstation setups. Although these systems are not yet optimized for expert-level risk certification, they offer significant potential for enhancing workplace safety and efficiency by providing continuous posture monitoring. Future improvements could explore advanced computational techniques like machine learning to refine ergonomic assessments further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) have become integral to various industries due to their exceptional strength‐to‐weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and versatility. Recent advancements in the properties and recycling of FRPCs reflect significant progress in performance and sustainability. This paper reviews the latest developments in FRPC technology, highlighting innovations in material formulation, including advancements in fiber types, matrix materials, and hybrid composites that enhance mechanical properties. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the modification of matrices by incorporating graphene, which aims to improve the chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking between fiber and matrix. Additionally, it addresses recent breakthroughs in recycling technologies, focusing on methods such as chemical recycling, mechanical recycling, and developing eco‐friendly matrices. Integrating these advancements aims to improve the lifecycle management of FRPCs, reduce environmental impact, and support the transition towards a circular economy. This review underscores the balance between enhancing composite performance and promoting sustainable practices, paving the way for more environmentally responsible applications of FRPCs. The different types of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites have been thoroughly reviewed. How does graphene affect the mechanical behavior of fiber composite laminates? Provide a systematic correlation and comparison between fabrication methods, materials, and properties. The recycling methods for fiber‐reinforced polymer composites have been deliberated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Green banking (GB) strategies are a set of financial practices and activities implemented by banks to encourage sustainability, environmental responsibility, and low-carbon impact. This bibliometric study examines the present state of research in this field by utilizing the Scopus database for data retrieval and VosViewer for network analysis. Method: A total of 149 researches were retrieved from the Scopus and analyzed using the VosViewer software following the PRISMA guidelines. The study examines year-by-year publication patterns, top-cited articles, contributing countries, journals, co-citation analysis of authors, and co-occurrence analysis of keywords. Result: Strategies such as online banking, solar ATMs, construction of green buildings, and making provisions for green loans are identified as the key GB strategies that can be adopted by the banks. Furthermore, the fundamental challenges banking organizations encounter while implementing GB strategies are underlined. Discussion: The study suggests that "green brand image," "green audit," "environmental economics," and "carbon footprint" can be considered as an area of interest in future. The study provides researchers, policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions with valuable insights by presenting the current state of green banking research and identifying emerging areas for further exploration. These findings will help others to discover the areas of interest in GB and advancing sustainable finance practices that can foster environmental responsibility in the financial sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of coal gangue (CG) poses significant risks to both human health and ecological systems, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable methods to utilize this abundant waste material effectively. In this study, we successfully screened and isolated the Bacillus velezensis bacterial strain to enhance the solubilization of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) nutrients from CG. The study employed XRD, FTIR, SEM, and HPLC techniques to investigate the underlying mechanisms of CG solubilization. Various parameters such as CG particle size, incubation time, initial inoculation ratio, concentration of CG, pH, and temperature were optimized to maximize solubilization efficiency. The Bacillus velezensis bacterium can dissolve minerals of CG by adhering to its surface and secreting various kinds of organic acids, particularly succinic acid. Pot experiments further demonstrated that Bacillus velezensis, in conjunction with CG, promotes alfalfa growth. These combined findings suggest that Bacillus velezensis and coal gangue hold promising potential as mineral soil conditioners, effectively enhancing plant growth. This approach presents a viable alternative for the environmentally responsible utilization of CG, addressing both ecological concerns and agricultural sustainability. IMPORTANCE Coal gangue piles not only occupy significant amounts of arable land but also cause serious environmental pollution. Therefore, finding sustainable methods for the clean utilization of CG is imperative. Although previous studies have shown that bacteria can promote the solubilization of available phosphorus and available potassium from CG, their impact on promoting plant growth remains understudied. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the potential of Bacillus velezensis in enhancing the effectiveness of CG as a mineral fertilizer to support alfalfa growth. The evidence presented in this study provides an ecological strategy for the utilization of CG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability continues to be a long-term consumer priority, shaping the Home Care market. As consumers become more conscious and focussed on their environmental responsibility, there is an increasing demand for more sustainable product formats, packaging, and ingredient transparency, while meeting at the same time high product performance and consumer expectations. Manufacturers face an increasing challenge to balance product performance while providing novel product formulations, which allow end-consumers to not only choose more sustainable products, but to adapt their behaviours to more sustainable household cleaning. Probiotic cleaning ingredients offer a more sustainable solution to cleaning and outperform harsh chemical cleaning products, since probiotics are safe, eco-friendly, and very effective. With Croda's latest Home Care launch of our CroBiotic™ range, Croda offers a new generation of probiotic cleaning ingredients designed to provide a proven, innovative, and effective long-term approach to odour control and hard surface cleaning by letting nature do the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a responsible business philosophy, sustainable management is becoming a widely accepted management mode among managers, practitioners, stakeholders, and customers. The sustainable development of business management calls for the practice of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principle. Companies that neglect ESG criteria in their business operations may face unexpected consequences. Therefore, the ESG sustainable performance of the company is becoming a benchmark to evaluate environmental and social responsibility of companies worldwide. This paper proposes an integrated MCDM framework combining the interval type-2 fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (IT2FAHP) and the interval type-2 fuzzy combined compromise solution (IT2F-CoCoSo) method for evaluating the ESG sustainable performance of listed companies. In the integrated MCDM framework, the interval type-2 fuzzy sets serve as an effective tool to transform qualitative linguistic evaluation into quantitative expression, the criteria weights are obtained using the IT2FAHP, and the rankings of alternatives are determined by the IT2F-CoCoSo method. The proposed method is applied in a case study on the ESG sustainable performance evaluation of five medical listed companies, which are evaluated based on three aspects: E, S, and G and further divided into 14 criteria. Results reveal that the most important criterion in the E, S, and G aspects are pollution treatment, health and safety, and risk management. It suggests that the Pfizer biopharmaceutical company has the best ESG sustainable performance among the five alternative medical listed companies. We perform a sensitivity analysis with random criteria weights and different parameter values to show the stability of the proposed approach. A comparison is also performed between our approach and some existing methods for validating the proposed approach. This analysis shows that the proposed approach is efficient and well-consistent with the other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate social responsibility(CSR) is becoming increasingly important in the field of corporate sustainability. However, despite the growing literature on CSR, there is a paucity of empirical evidence examining external environmental pressures. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring the relationship between CSR and green exploratory innovation from the perspective of three types of environmental regulations: mandatory, market-driven, and voluntary regulations. Using Chinese-listed companies from 2010 to 2019 as original data, we examined the impacts of CSR on green exploratory innovation of firms and the moderating effects of the three regulations using a moderating effect model. The results concluded that CSR could significantly stimulate firms to engage in green exploratory innovation. Mandatory and market-driven regulations exhibited positive moderating effects, and market-driven regulations have a greater impact on CSR strategies. In contrast, voluntary regulations showed a negative moderating effect. Our study will be of great value to companies under external environmental pressure and will provide a new path to achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated construction has shifted a portion of environmental responsibilities (ERs) from on-site to off-site, prompting a focus on the entire supply chain. As an issue emerging alongside the prefabricated construction, ERs are yet to be clearly allocated along the supply chain. This study aims to explore the optimal allocation of ERs between the agents involved in a prefabricated construction supply chain (PCSC), considering two distinct types of government subsidies, namely, subsidies based on ER levels (EL subsidy) and subsidies based on ER incremental costs (EC subsidy). Additionally, it aims to compare the influence of two types of government subsidies on this allocation process. A three-stage supply-chain Stackelberg model involving the government, a supplier, and a contractor was established to analyze their optimal decisions and a numerical analysis based on a case was further exploited to validate the results. The study revealed a positive correlation between ER levels of the entire supply chain and the ER managerial efficiency of both agents under each type of subsidy. The ER allocation between the two agents varied depending on the subsidy type. With EL subsidies, the allocation of one's ER level was contingent on its own ER managerial efficiency, while under EC subsidies, the optimal allocation of ERs between the two agents was equal. No subsidy could simultaneously render both agents more profitable than the alternative subsidy, but optimal profits were largely determined by the ER managerial efficiency of the involved agents. By comparing subsidy effectiveness indicators, it was found that EL subsidies are deemed more beneficial for the construction environment than EC subsidies. The findings can serve as a valuable reference for government authorities to incentivize ER behaviors and help enterprises in the supply chain achieve a win-win situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capital constraints are one of the major challenges for the supplier to invest in activities to enhance environmental and social responsibility (ESR) in production. Responsible buyer direct financing has emerged as an important solution to motivate supplier ESR by pegging the interest rate to the supplier's ESR level. Motivated by real practices, we develop game‐theoretical models to explore the value of conducting blockchain‐assisted due diligence to inspect the borrowing supplier's ESR qualification in a two‐tier supply chain structure where the downstream buyer directly finances the capital‐constrained supplier. Conventional wisdom tells us that driving greater supplier transparency (e.g., conducting blockchain‐assisted due diligence) will motivate the supplier to strengthen environmental and social compliance. However, we identify the necessary and sufficient "backfiring condition" under which the blockchain‐assisted due diligence may "backfire" by reducing the supplier's ESR efforts. The supplier devotes more ESR efforts if and only if the due diligence cost is sufficiently high. Our result implies that the heavy cost of adopting blockchain technology is not necessarily bad from the responsibility perspective as long as the backfiring condition does not hold. Moreover, we identify the Pareto zone in which conducting blockchain‐assisted due diligence could benefit both supply chain members. We extend our model by examining the impact of a shift from profit orientation to social welfare orientation. Our findings provide managerial insights into the implementation of blockchain‐assisted due diligence to enhance supplier ESR and improve supply chain members' profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the ever‐increasing pressure on producers to adopt environmentally responsible industrial practices, remanufacturing has emerged as a key strategy to address the challenges of resource conservation and waste reduction. In this paper, we address a conspicuous research gap regarding innovative and large‐scale circular solutions in the form of remanufacturing systems. We investigate how the private sector can build widespread remanufacturing networks to handle waste from the appliance industry. Starting from a successful case study of a leading Italian distributor of spare parts, our analysis expands their existing business model and inductively develops an original framework for regional remanufacturing. Our resulting model encompasses a centralised hub specialised in high‐tech data management and supply‐chain logistics, coupled with two tiers of remanufacturing labs and repairers, diffusing triple‐bottom‐line benefits throughout the local territory. We discuss the generalisability of such a centralised/decentralised model and propose avenues for the policy support of systemic circular innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heightened environmental concerns have prompted businesses to align with regulatory demands, fostering a need for internal accounting tools aiding managerial decision‐making. While environmental management accounting (EMA) has become pivotal in supporting eco‐efficiency decisions within organizations, a gap persists in comprehending its genuine, proactive implementation for sustainable development in the existing literature. This study investigates why and how EMA is used for strategic decision‐making. A systematic literature review of 89 studies was conducted, and factors influencing EMA usage for strategic decision‐making were identified using the drivers–enablers–outcomes–barriers framework. Three reasons for EMA use in strategic decision‐making were identified: legitimacy, organizational efficiency, and strategic sustainable development. This study highlights the evolving use of EMA within organizations, moving from short‐term applications to recognizing its long‐term potential for strategic sustainable development. It explains the changing motives behind EMA adoption, driven by factors that encourage the use of advanced EMA tools for proactive, long‐term decision‐making in sustainable development. The integration of these tools depends on internal organizational factors like management's environmental responsibility, and proactive leadership commitment to sustainability. By exploring theoretical underpinnings and motivations of enhanced EMA usage, this research contributes to pragmatic approaches in sustainability accounting, illustrating how organizations, initially adopting EMA for legitimacy, recognize its benefits in guiding proactive, solution‐oriented managerial decisions toward strategic sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed the stimulus – organism – response framework to explore the relationships between destination social responsibility (DSR), environmental sensitivity (ES), and environmentally responsible behavior (ERB), and to verify the mediating role of ES and moderating role of DSR. Convenience sampling was performed to survey 391 tourists who visited the Shanmei and Ruili communities in Alishan, Taiwan, and structural equation modeling was used to verify the aforementioned mediating and moderating relationships. The results revealed that perceived DSR positively influenced the relationship between ES and ERB in tourists and that ES positively influenced ERB. When tourists perceived a high level of DSR, their ES increased, which in turn promoted ERB; therefore, ES played a mediating role in the relationship between DSR and ERB. Additionally, a high level of perceived DSR strengthened the relationship between ES and ERB in tourists. The findings of this study have management implications and provide future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a long period in which pressures to adopt CSR practices came largely from the left, the current communication environment has become far more divisive with the rise of illiberal political pressures from the right. These conflicting pressures arise from irreconcilable communication logics that threaten the future of CSR. This paper examines how these disruptive communication logics reflect the changing roles of disinformation in CSR communication, highlighting two overlapping eras: (1) the history of some companies using disinformation strategically to avoid or misrepresent CSR commitments; and (2) the more recent addition of what we term systemic disinformation generated by politicians, think tanks, and irresponsible competitors. These disinformation spheres challenge liberal democratic values and amplify attacks on CSR values. We discuss the dilemmas for companies seeking to adopt more responsible business practices and explore the implications of CSR communication becoming increasingly linked to larger societal conflicts over the nature of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As environmental concerns continue to arise, companies are increasingly turning to green marketing strategies and promoting green purchasing decisions to meet consumer demand for sustainable products and services. Peripheral regions, often overlooked in discussions about sustainability, have a unique opportunity to position themselves as leaders in environmentally responsible practices through green marketing strategies. This can represent an opportunity to boost economic growth while protecting the environment for future generations. This paper studies the influencers of consumer purchasing decisions in a country located in the periphery of Europe. One thousand two hundred fifty-five responses were collected. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. It was found that the decision to purchase green products seems to be influenced by factors such as environmental awareness, the perceived quality of green products, the desire to purchase them, and the prospect of a greener future. This study's key findings indicate that price awareness acts as a mediator, amplifying the influence of environmental concerns, perceived quality, willingness to purchase, future estimations, and perceived benefits on consumers' green purchasing decisions. This underscores the importance of consumers' awareness of the pricing for green products. Understanding the factors influencing green purchasing behavior in peripheral regions of Europe is crucial for businesses and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable consumption practices. The current study offers insights for promoting more sustainable consumption practices in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to find disparities in the perception of sustainability-related criteria's impact on the sustainability of the SMEs in the countries of the V4 based on gender. The case study was conducted on 1398 responses from owners or top managers in Visegrad Group countries (V4). The questionnaire contained 52 questions. Data collection was conducted by an external agency using the CAWI methodology. The statistical hypotheses were verified by applying structural equation modelling (SEM method). The empirical findings are important for many authors and researchers. The environmental aspect of entrepreneurship is the most important factor, having a strong positive impact on the sustainability of SMEs. This includes active involvement in environmental protection, environmental responsibility as a part of SME governance, and the perception of owners regarding the environment in firm management. Gender disparities are important in evaluating financial management, the level of digitalisation in a firm, human resource management, and business ethics, and their effect on the sustainability of SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk silica (RHS) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional sources of silica in various applications, offering eco‐friendly attributes, cost‐effectiveness, and versatility. This review explores the potential of RHS as a substitute for conventional silica sources, highlighting its alignment with sustainable development objectives and its appeal to industries seeking environmental responsibility. Among the extraction methods, acid leaching is identified as yielding higher purity silica. In contrast, among the novel techniques, the hydrothermobaric process stands out for producing high purity and yielding nanosilica. Despite challenges like limited access to high‐quality rice husks and variations in silica content, RHS extraction methods show promising avenues for sustainable silica production, addressing waste management, and environmental concerns. Further development and optimization of extraction techniques are essential for widespread acceptance, with future research focusing on nanoparticle synthesis and incorporating green chemistry principles. This comprehensive review of RHS provides a valuable resource for researchers seeking to explore sustainable alternatives in their respective fields, aiming to foster adopting more sustainable practices and materials across various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry across six key areas. First, the fashion industry contributes significantly to carbon emissions, as cotton and synthetic fabric production require large amounts of energy and water. Second, fast fashion and clothing waste lead to environmental pollution, with synthetic materials taking a long time to decompose in nature. Third, the use of chemicals and dyes pollutes water sources. Fourth, the industry has a severe impact on water resources, with excessive water use contributing to water scarcity. The fifth aspect is the microplastics released from synthetic clothing, which flow into water bodies and harm ecosystems. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of sustainable fashion and eco-friendly solutions to reduce the industry's environmental footprint. In summary, while the fashion industry poses serious threats to the environment, the promotion of sustainable fashion and environmentally responsible production and consumption are key measures to mitigate these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the environmental and economic goals set by Azerbaijan at the COP29 summit were extensively analyzed. Azerbaijan aims to ensure a balance between sustainable economic development and environmental protection by joining global efforts against climate change. By reducing carbon emissions, which is at the top of the environmental goals, Azerbaijan fulfills its obligations under the Paris Agreement to slow down global warming. To achieve this goal, it is planned to expand the use of clean energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. Concrete plans for the development of wind energy potential, especially in the Caspian Sea, show that Azerbaijan aims to meet a significant part of its energy needs with more environmentally friendly methods. It is emphasized that within the framework of COP29, Azerbaijan has taken important steps in the direction of regional and global cooperation. The implementation of joint projects with other states on the protection and restoration of the ecological condition of the Caspian Sea further strengthens Azerbaijan's obligations aimed at solving environmental problems in the region. In addition, the country increases its environmental responsibility at the international level by participating in global climate initiatives, and tries to minimize the impact of changes in global ecosystems on the natural environment within the country. As a result, the environmental and economic goals set by Azerbaijan at COP29 not only support domestic development, but also increase its active participation in global climate policy. This approach further strengthens the role of Azerbaijan as a global partner in the fight against climate change, serves to ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates ethnographically how early-stage impact investors evaluate the credibility of the impact promises made by social entrepreneurs. Uncovering how investors carry out this task beyond observable characteristics and self-reported prosocial intentions, I propose that their evaluation of impact promises centers on four interrelated aspects of the entrepreneurs' behavior: impact metrics, impact track record, impact management, and impact prospects. I articulate these aspects into a framework explaining how credible beliefs about entrepreneurs' impact promises emerge among investors and embolden their investment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the risk transmission from COVID-19 to global agriculture, energy, natural resources/mining and environmentally/socially responsible investments. Additionally, it explores the connectedness of global energy indices with global agriculture, natural resources/mining and environmentally/socially responsible investments. The study develops a new COVID-19-based Global Fear Index (GFI) to achieve the objectives, thus contributing to the prevailing literature. Design/methodology/approach: The data of Global indices are selected from January 2020 to December 2021. The study uses multivariate BEKK-GARCH and TVP-VAR models to explore COVID-19 risk transmission and connectedness between global indices. Findings: Significant shock and volatility transmissions from COVID-19 to all global indices are observed. Results show that global agriculture, natural resource/mining markets and environmentally and socially responsible investments are safe havens during COVID-19. Furthermore, these global investment choices are barely connected with global energy indices. Practical implications: Portfolio managers and investors should invest in global indices to gauge the risk-adjusted return during the pandemic and upcoming health-related risks. Investors in energy sectors are advised to diversify the risk by adding safe-haven assets to their portfolios. Social implications: The findings shed light on the importance of environmentally and socially responsible investments as a separate asset class where ecologically friendly and socially sentimental investors could invest in diversifying the risk of their portfolios. Originality/value: The paper offers valuable insights to policymakers and investors regarding asset pricing, risk management and financial market stability during pandemic-type emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the context of forest conservation, individuals' attitude can significantly influence their intentions and subsequent behaviors towards conserving forests. However, there is a research gap when it comes to understanding the determinants of individuals' attitude towards forests conservation. To address this gap, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of variables associated with values from value-belief-norm theory, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility from norm activation model on individuals' attitudes as main determinant of behavior intention. Methods: The Data of study was collected from a sample of 200 students from Behbahan University, Iran. through a questionnaire designed specifically for this purpose. The validity and reliability of questionnaire were confirmed. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the collected data. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the examined variables were able to describe 88.6% of the variance in individuals' attitude towards forest conservation. Specifically, it was found that biospheric (ƛ = 0.097) and altruistic (ƛ = 0.385) values, ascription of responsibility (ƛ= 0.150), and awareness of consequences (ƛ = 0.380) had significant and positive effects on individuals' attitude towards forest conservation. On the other hand, egoistic values exhibited a significant and negative impact (ƛ = -0.071) on individuals' attitude. Discussion: These research findings hold significant implications for planners and policymakers involved in forest conservation efforts. By understanding the factors that shape individuals' conservation attitudes, decision-makers can develop targeted strategies and interventions to strengthen positive attitudes towards forest conservation. Given the positive influence of biospheric values and awareness of consequences, developing awareness-raising programs to enhance individuals' environmental knowledge and the awareness of outcomes of their conservation actions can be considered as strategy to strengthen public's attitude and improvement their participation in forest conservation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate environmental responsibility (CER) and risk-taking in Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020. It seeks to understand the influence of CER on risk-taking behavior and explore potential moderating factors. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach is used, using data from Chinese A-share listed companies over the specified period. Regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between CER and risk-taking, while considering moderating variables such as performance aspiration, environmental enrichment and contextual factors. Findings: The findings indicate that CER positively influences corporate risk-taking, with significant impacts on information asymmetry and corporate reputation. Moreover, positive performance aspiration strengthens the effect of CER on risk-taking, while negative performance aspiration and environmental enrichment weaken this effect. Cross-sectional analysis shows that the positive association between CER and risk-taking is more prominent for firms located in areas with strict environmental regulation, for nonstate-owned firms, and for firms with higher levels of internal control. Originality/value: This research contributes to the literature by providing insights into the dynamics between CER and risk-taking in the Chinese market context. It expands existing knowledge by considering the influence of performance aspiration on this relationship, offering practical implications for firms seeking to enhance corporate performance through strategic management of environmental responsibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]