Strategies for developing sustainable communities in higher education institutions

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: Nov. 23, 2023

Higher education institutions (HEIs), based on learning, innovation, and research, can support the progress of civil society. Many HEIs are implementing sustainability practices projects to counteract climate change, often involving youth participation. The present study aimed at identifying how sustainable communities may be fostered in a university setting. To that end, questionnaire was administered engineering students start end course energy issues, assessing their perceptions using multi-criteria decision analysis. results showed placed greater value course. Additionally, findings highlight implementation tackling real problems useful for disseminating knowledge practices. main implications this indicate academia lay six foundational pillars: education, (and resource) independence, subsidies green economy, initiatives reducing carbon footprint, community development, new professional opportunities.

Language: Английский

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Lighting the future of sustainable cities with energy communities: An economic analysis for incentive policy

Cities, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 147, P. 104828 - 104828

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Inland areas are suffering from depopulation and a lack of services, with many citizens deciding to move the city. Smart cities require decentralised collective energy model in form renewable communities (RECs). This work aims propose an economic analysis residential photovoltaic systems within REC according different incentive market scenarios. For this scope, Net Present Value (NPV) is used both baseline alternative scenarios showing very good profitability, confirmed by sensitivity, scenario risk analysis. It therefore evident how avoided cost bill has decisive impact on result amplified virtuous behaviour consumption synchronous production phase. Subsequent analyses concern profits obtained divided among prosumers it shown that revenues shared partial profile may be right compromise. In order consider more realistic case additional consumer analysed REC. The proposed show interesting policy implications: subsidies key factors for sustainable based green consumption.

Language: Английский

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Reshaping the energy landscape of Crete through renewable energy valleys

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: April 5, 2024

Abstract Renewable energy valleys (REVs) represent a transformative concept poised to reshape global landscapes. These comprehensive ecosystems transition regions from conventional sources sustainable, self-reliant hubs for renewable generation, distribution, and consumption. At their core, REVs integrate advanced information communication technology (ICT), interoperable digital solutions, social innovation processes, economically viable business models. They offer vision of decentralized, low-carbon landscapes accessible all, capable meeting local demands year-round by harnessing multiple (RES) leveraging storage technologies. This paper provides an overview the key components objectives REVs, including integration through ICT technologies open solutions that enable seamless management RES within REV. The aspect via REV’s active communities is also examined, encouraging participation in co-design, implementation, benefit-sharing solutions. In addition, viability sustainable models central REV framework proposed, ensuring affordability accessibility all stakeholders. presents case study Crete, showcasing how idea can work real life. Crete utilizes various become energy-independent, lower carbon emissions, enhance system resilience. Advanced are employed ensure supply demand balance Situated on picturesque island Greece, it pioneering establishment Energy Valley ‘Living Lab’ (REV-Lab), integrating Community Labs (CELs) as hubs. initiative exemplifies model, striving create digitalized, distributed, landscape residents throughout year.

Language: Английский

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Entrepreneurial education and its role in fostering sustainable communities

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: March 30, 2024

Abstract Establishing sustainable communities requires bridging the gap between academic knowledge and societal requirements; this is where entrepreneurial education comes in. The first phase involved a comprehensive review of literature extensive consultation with experts to identify shortlist components entrepreneurship that support communities. second Total Interpretative Structural Modelling explore or ascertain how elements interacted education. factors are ranked categorized using Matrice d'impacts croises multiplication appliquee an un classement (MICMAC) approach. MICMAC analysis classifies partnerships incubators as critical drivers, identifying Student Entrepreneurship Clubs Sustainability Research Centers dependent elements. study emphasizes alumni networks curriculum designs key motivators. results highlight role well-designed plays in developing socially conscious entrepreneurs, strengthening communities, generating long-term job prospects. provides valuable road map for stakeholders dedicated community development agendas by informing creation strategic initiatives, updates, policies incorporating

Language: Английский

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Forest carbon removal potential and sustainable development in Japan

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Jan. 5, 2024

Abstract Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and reducing emissions as major carbon sink. However, its value removing dioxide (CO 2 ) from the atmosphere is always underestimated natural capital (NC) accounting sustainability assessments. This study predicted Japan’s forest CO removal by afforestation management monetary until 2042 national to gridded level, with statistical data complementary satellite products, explored how that will contribute sustainable development under inclusive wealth (IW) framework. The results show that: (1) annual forests has potential offset 15.3% of emission increase NC 6.8% Japan, significantly contributing neutrality IW growth; (2) total exiting peak at around 2030 then decrease, but expanding could decrease later years; (3) spatial distribution patterns are opposite. indicates trading market create new for rural communities where vast exist, effectively balance inequal urban–rural Japan. explicit information this provide valuable differentiating policy priorities forestry planning different local communities.

Language: Английский

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A strategic analysis of renewable energy communities in achieving sustainable development

Utilities Policy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 90, P. 101810 - 101810

Published: Aug. 2, 2024

This study aims to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with renewable energy communities (RECs) in Italy. The results, obtained through an incentivised online survey analytic hierarchy process, showed that economic saving on costs is most relevant criterion for both consumers expert stakeholders. Also, technical barriers independence emerged as developing RECs. Consumers are more sensitive social behind RECs, while experts focus only aspects. benefits, pragmatism, effective management of human physical resources within RECs can help achieve sustainable development.

Language: Английский

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Viable eco-efficiency targets for waste collection communities

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: July 1, 2024

Abstract Waste management is crucial for advancing the circular economy, and Italy has begun to address this issue by organizing municipalities into collaborative communities of , named ATOs. In paper, we propose a quantitative approach based on conditional efficiency analysis estimate viable eco-efficiency targets these waste collection communities. The proposed are both eco-efficient because they reflect optimal resource allocation within framework, consider unique specificities each community. methodology determines pathway or direction reach frontier specific external factors, ensuring that municipality benchmarked against others with similar contexts same Our focuses 89 Italian ATO “Città metropolitana di Roma Capitale” in 2021, revealing size economic development significantly contributed community during period. general flexible can be applied other across Europe. It also extended meso (regional) macro (country) levels analysis.

Language: Английский

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Identifying American climate change free riders and motivating sustainable behavior

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: March 19, 2024

Free riders, who benefit from collective efforts to mitigate climate change but do not actively contribute, play a key role in shaping behavioral action. Using sample of 2096 registered American voters, we explore the discrepancy between two groups free riders: cynics, recognize significance environmental issues adopt sustainable behaviors, and doubters, neither nor engage such actions. Through statistical analyses, show these are different. Doubters predominantly male, younger, with lower income education, exhibit stronger conspiracy beliefs, altruism, limited knowledge, more likely have voted for Trump lean towards conservative ideology. Cynics religious, higher socioeconomic status, environmentally informed, liberal-leaning, less support Trump. Our research provides insights on could be most effectively persuaded make climate-sensitive lifestyle changes recommendations prompt involvement individual sustainability behaviors. findings suggest that incentivizing through positive incentives, as financial rewards, may particularly effective. Conversely, argue engaging them community-driven social influence initiatives translate their passive beliefs into active participation.

Language: Английский

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Strengthening oil palm smallholder farmers’ resilience to future industrial challenges

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: May 27, 2024

Abstract Oil palm cultivation has improved living standards and alleviated the poverty of many smallholder farmers. However, challenges such as climate change, aging palms negative sentiments in major markets, threaten wellbeing raise question on farmers’ resilience, which remains poorly understood. Using primary data from Indonesia, largest oil producer world, we measure evaluate resilience farmers using Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. Our results revealed five classes smallholders with different levels resilience: vulnerable, economically socially constrained, low-skilled, semi-secure adaptive smallholders. The least resilient group are majorly older local farmers, who established plantations independently. Meanwhile, most is dominated by participated migration program, past, received support government to start plantations. study highlights heterogeneity smallholders’ livelihood need for inclusive tailored interventions various establish sustainable communities.

Language: Английский

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Understanding system interdependencies in sustainable paper production from residue grass biomass: Insights from fuzzy cognitive mapping

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 9, 2025

Abstract This research investigates the pulp and paper industry's transition to sustainability by valorizing unused roadside natural grasses for production. Large-scale production from residual grass poses multifaceted challenges, requiring collaboration across stakeholders, biomass collection manufacturing. To understand key drivers barriers within this complex system, experts various fields, including local farmers, researchers, policymakers, industry executives were interviewed, leading development of a Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM). The analysis explores scenarios assess how socio-economic, technological, political factors influence low-carbon practices. These highlight effects varying levels technology development, economic conditions, policy support on transition's progress outcomes. Results show that system is highly sensitive shifts in socio-economic conditions. Political interventions play crucial role, especially during energy crises increased public demand sustainable solutions. Grass-based seen as viable pathway, but challenges such feasibility emerging technologies remain. We recommend targeted policies improve viability grass-based products optimize allocation between bio-based products, ensuring more balanced transition.

Language: Английский

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