Abstract: Regenerative agriculture has emerged as an alternative approach to food production, offering the potential to achieve reduced or even positive environmental and social outcomes compared to the soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions of conventional agriculture. Simultaneously, a sophisticated dual-use system combining solar energy generation from photovoltaics with agricultural production called agrivoltaics is rapidly expanding. Combining these approaches into regenerative agrivoltaics offers a promising solution to the food challenge in a rapidly warming world. This review theoretically examines the compatibility and mutual benefits of combining agrivoltaics and regenerative agriculture, while also identifying the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for implementing this system. A foundation for advancing regenerative agrivoltaics is made by identifying areas for research, which include: 1) carbon sequestration, 2) soil health and fertility, 3) soil moisture, 4) soil microbial activity, 6) soil nutrients, 7) crop performance, 8) water-use efficiency, and 9) economics. By addressing the intersection of agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainability, regenerative agrivoltaics emphasizes the transformative potential of integrated systems in reshaping land use and resource management. This evaluation underscores the importance of policy and industry collaboration in facilitating adoption of regenerative agrivoltaics, advocating for tailored support mechanisms to enable widespread implementation of low-cost, zero-carbon, resilient food systems.

Abstract: The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development was adopted by the United Nations (UN) to guide action towards sustainable development for humanity at every scale, as “Leave no one behind” is the central, transformative promise of the agenda. The 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide ambitious political targets for every UN member state to shape the future univocally. However, the sustainability challenges faced at regional and subnational levels, e.g. community levels, are substantially diverse and the strategies for achieving the SDGs also vary across communities based on their context, agency and resources. We developed a pluralistic framework to guide policy action and grass-root transformation at every scale aligning with the global SDGs by a systematic review of 79 sustainability transformation projects reported in published literature. We analyzed what these diverse scale projects had in common regarding sustainability strategies, collaborations among societal actors and how new narratives were transferred into guided action. The framework comprises five consequent phases for the implementation of SDGs and SDG targets through problem formulation to project evaluation and four enabling factors comprising context, temporality, disciplines and stakeholders that crucially facilitate the implementation of SDGs and SDG targets. Our framework pursues the “leave no scale behind” aspiration focusing on multi-stakeholder processes and inter- and transdisciplinary methods to strengthen collaboration among a diverse set of actors, joint learning, and coherent implementation across all relevant areas of society.

Abstract: Luxury beach hotels in tropical climates are large consumers of electricity, negatively impacting the environment and their profit margins. Energy efficiency and the incorporation of clean energy are among the main actions contributing to reducing this problem, but the implementation of this second solution is minimal among these types of hotels. A case study was conducted and found that this is primarily due to a lack of space in their facilities. Solutions are proposed by implementing agrovoltaic farms in the areas adjacent to the destination studied. The project is technically, economically, and legally feasible, and the proposed agrovoltaic farms could supply nearly 580 million kWh annually, mitigating emissions of just over 390,000 tCO2e/year and making Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta a "Green Destination," thus contributing to meeting international GHG mitigation targets.

Abstract: This study compares mobile observation data from the same study area in Kunming on January 15, 2020, and January 8, 2023, to investigate the changes in micro-scale urban thermal environment characteristics under different weather conditions. Specifically, under overall declining temper-atures, commercial and industrial areas experience a more dramatic cooling effect. These regions, typically characterized by dense construction, limited green spaces, and abundant anthropogenic heat sources, show a more sensitive temperature response and larger cooling amplitude when ambient temperatures drop. In contrast, parks, wetlands, and other well-greened areas are less affected due to the moderating effects of vegetation and water bodies, resulting in relatively stable temperature differences. These variations lead to increased local temperature disparities, further exacerbating the unevenness of the urban thermal environment. Consequently, commercial and industrial zones are more vulnerable to thermal changes under extreme weather conditions, highlighting the fragility of urban resilience in the face of climate change.

Abstract: In the past three years, electric vehicle (EV) sales in Indonesia have increased significantly, reflecting a positive trend in the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. However, research by Canals Casals et al. (2016) highlights that EV adoption in developing countries may not always lead to effective carbon emission reductions. The environmental benefits of EVs are highly dependent on the electricity generation mix of a given country. Since Indonesia still relies heavily on fossil fuel-based power plants, the positive impact of EV usage on emission reduction needs to be critically assessed. this paper examines the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a strategic pathway to reduce fossil fuel import dependency and carbon emissions. Using emissions data provided by the Google Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) in West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB), this study adopts a System Dynamics approach to explore various policy and energy transition scenarios that could maximize the environmental benefits of EV use. The findings of this research are expected to serve as a foundation for formulating more effective electric vehicle development policies in Indonesia.

Abstract: The integration of energy sectors and the optimisation of resource use are fundamental elements of sustainable development. This study presents a model for analysing energy use based on the structure of Energy Cost Centres (ECCs). The model facilitates a systematic identification and optimisation of energy flows in industrial and urban environments. The developed methodology was tested on a case study of an energy-intensive industry, where we analysed the potential utilisation of renewable energy sources, hydrogen production, electricity storage, and the use of excess heat for the local community. The results indicate that the systematic application of the model could achieve total electricity savings of 9,598 MWh, alongside 4,116,850 Nm³ of natural gas savings through excess heat utilisation. These measures collectively contribute to an annual CO₂ emissions reduction of 10,984 tonnes. The approach enhances the integration of sustainable energy solutions, strengthens stakeholder collaboration, and increases the economic viability of projects. Moreover, the model can be adapted for use in other industrial and urban settings. Despite potential barriers such as data availability and initial implementation costs, the results confirm the approach´s value in the strategic planning of sustainable energy systems.

Abstract: Semi-arid climate greenhouses are increasingly faced with high internal humidity, due to climate change impacts, despite the generally arid external climate. The unintended rise in humidity results from irrigation, plant transpiration, and limited ventilation, and it negatively affects crop growth, yield, and susceptibility to pests and diseases, especially during summer. This study investigates the application of an open-cycle liquid desiccant dehumidification system using calcium chloride (CaCl₂) for humidity control and water harvesting in a greenhouse located in the Dhiban/Madaba region of Jordan. A numerical model based on the effectiveness (ε-NTU) method was used to study the system's performance under local climatic and operating conditions. Results show that the system kept the relative humidity of the greenhouse below 60% effectively, which is optimal for plant growth. Moreover, it achieved significant water recovery: 19,757 kg in June, 20,849 kg in July, and 21,317 kg in August, based on 8-hour daily operation. This condensed water represents a valuable resource for supplemental irrigation. The findings underscore the dual advantage of the liquid desiccant system for reducing excessive humidity as well as water scarcity in a complementary way towards improving sustainable cultivation in the greenhouse in arid and semi-arid regions.

Abstract: The global proliferation of plastic waste presents an urgent environmental challenge, exacerbated by the limitations of current recycling and disposal technologies. In re-sponse, biocatalytic degradation using plastic-degrading enzymes has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable plastic waste management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the discovery, characterization, and engineering of enzymes capable of depolymerizing synthetic plastics. Enzymes such as PETases, cutinases, lipases, laccases, and peroxidases are examined in terms of their catalytic mechanisms, substrate specificity, and microbial origins. Special attention is given to developments in protein engineering, including the creation of highly efficient variants like FAST-PETase, as well as the integration of enzymes into immobilized sys-tems and synthetic microbial consortia. The review also explores novel sources of plas-tic-degrading activity, including insect gut microbiomes and environmental meta-genomes, highlighting their potential as genetic reservoirs for future biotechnological applications. Finally, the practical applications of these enzymes in enzymatic recy-cling, bioremediation and industrial processes are discussed, while identifying current limitations and future directions. The convergence of enzyme discovery, synthetic bi-ology, and circular economy principles may ultimately lead to scalable and sustainable strategies for mitigating plastic pollution.

Abstract: Volatile energy sources in the form of wind power and photovoltaics contribute considerably to German electric energy. Based on high time resolution measurements resulting in high-quality time series data of energy production and demand, scenarios of a study "Klimaneutrales Deutschland 2045" are repeated and discussed. This study was the basis for the German Government to reduce CO2 emissions to zero within a short period until 2045. Due to the real data at the core of the investigation, the question of bridging gaps of short renewable supply is not a theoretical one. The simulation allows the upscaling of the used wind and solar energy production, the scaling of the demand, and also the simulation of arbitrarily sized battery or gas storage systems. For battery and gas storage systems, the overall cost is assessed. The simulated storage systems are assumed to be charged at times of surplus renewable energy and discharged when there is a production deficit. Its underlying assumptions are described in detail. The simulation sets its focus on the assumptions and claims of the study that steer the actual political decisions and investigates the feasibility of the concept.

Abstract: Analysis of noise production from wind turbines with relation to their ever increasing rotor diameter, hub height and the application of noise reducing measures, shows that noise reduction is not the goal, but a consequence of mechanical and operational limitations. In this paper a detailed analysis is made of a series of papers by a group of authors, who claim that the average increase of tip-related noise has lost its stable relationship with hub height and rotor diameter due to sound reducing measures, such as serrations. It will be shown that these claims are pure window dressing. Tip speed is limited by Leading Edge Erosion (LEE), after lightning the most devastating cause of wear on windturbines. And tip related noise constitutes the bulk of wind turbine noise, but is much less responsible for the excessive annoyance of wind turbine noise, compared to traffic noise. LF, Infrasound, amplitude modulation and tonal aspects of wind turbine noise are much more important in the determination of annoyance of the sound. Due to lacking regulations, proper instructions how to determine these aspects of wind turbine noise, there seems to be a vacuum with regard to enforcement of legal limits in most countries. This vacuum is mostly due to the abundance of early 1920s types of technology, legislation based on this technology. Nowadays, every smartphone is capable of doing a power Power Spectral Distribution (PSD) analysis. Inclusion of these low threshold, high prevalence measurements into determining annoyance and help enforcement seems far overdue.

Abstract: Urban flooding in economically and environmentally vulnerable areas—such as alleyways, lowlands, and semi-basement residences—poses serious threats to lives and property. Existing flood detection research has largely relied on aerial or satellite-based distant-view imagery. While some studies have explored ground-level images, datasets specifically focused on flood-vulnerable areas remain scarce. To address this gap, we introduce AlleyFloodNet, a ground-level image dataset designed to support rapid and accurate flood classification in high-risk urban environments. The dataset reflects a variety of real-world conditions, enabling deep learning models to better recognize floods in complex urban settings. We fine-tuned classification models using AlleyFloodNet and compared their performance to models fine-tuned on FloodNet, a widely used UAV-based dataset. Results show that models trained on AlleyFloodNet significantly outperform those trained on FloodNet when applied to ground-level flood images. This demonstrates the importance of viewpoint-specific data in improving detection accuracy for localized flooding. By constructing a dataset tailored to economically and flood-vulnerable areas, this study contributes to the development of practical flood detection systems that aim to reduce disaster impacts and enhance protection for at-risk communities.

Abstract: Investment in modern agricultural practices (MAP) is crucial for improving crop productivity and household food security in developing countries like Tanzania, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy. This study assesses the impact of improved maize seeds on productivity across Tanzania's agroecological zones using data from the Tanzanian National Panel Survey (NPS) Wave 5. A stochastic simulation model (a non-parametric model “MaizeSim”) was employed to account for the inherent variability and uncertainty considerations in maize yields, offering a more accurate representation of outcomes for both improved seed users and non-users. The results reveal that farmers who used improved seeds had a 33% probability of achieving yields above 2 t/ha, compared to only 11% for those using local varieties. Conversely, non-users faced a 65% probability of harvesting below 1 t/ha, while this probability dropped to 38% for improved seed users. Regionally, the highest productivity gains were observed in the Central, Southern Highlands, and Northern Highlands zones, whereas the Eastern Coastal, Southern, and Lake zones experienced minimal benefits. The findings underscore the critical importance of encouraging the adoption of improved seed varieties as a pathway to enhance maize productivity, particularly in regions with favorable agroecological conditions. The study provides valuable insights for the development of the Tanzanian Seed Sector Development Strategy 2030, advocating for policies that promote increased investment in improved maize seeds. The results suggest that sustained application of these seeds, alongside complementary interventions such as agronomic training and improved access to inputs, is essential for improving the productivity and food security of Tanzanian smallholder farmers. By addressing regional disparities and promoting tailored seed varieties, this strategy could significantly enhance the resilience and productivity of the country's maize sector.

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of heat transfer processes in double-glazed window systems, employing a approach of experimental measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, to evaluate the efficacy of shutters in enhancing thermal resistance. The strategic integration of shutters, both internal and external, introduces an additional air cavity, significantly altering the heat transfer dynamics between indoor and outdoor environments. The impact of these configurations on the overall thermal performance of the fenestration system is rigorously quantified through on-site experimental investigations under realistic operational conditions, coupled with numerical solutions of fluid dynamics and energy equations for inter-pane air cavities, and heat conduction equations for solid components. Fourth-kind boundary conditions, incorporating radiative and conductive heat flux contributions from the building's interior, are meticulously applied at solid-gas interfaces. The simulation results demonstrate a substantial 2- to 2.5-fold increase in the thermal resistance of double-glazed units with shutters compared to standard configurations, highlighting their potential as a sustainable material and design strategy for enhancing building energy efficiency. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable materials for engineering applications by providing insights into the optimization of thermal performance in building envelopes.

Abstract: Developing sustainable and circular urban precincts requires the buy-in and participation of users of the infrastructure in an optimal manner. The most well designed and developed infrastructure will achieve its objectives only if they are used in the intended manner. To achieve this, planners need to consider social behaviour and expectations of users, and design precincts to facilitate sustainable behaviour. This paper presents research on developing a social simulation tool to aid decision making in an urban regeneration project. Findings from a community survey of typical users of the precinct was used to understand sustainability behaviours and challenges. Outcome-based recommendations were assessed by the team to explore how these relationships could translate into tangible, built environment outcomes. Alternative options for different elements within the precinct were identified and prioritised based on optimal environmental impacts for each option. These options were then used to develop a proof of concept of a social-simulation tool, which was validated through focus group sessions with stakeholders within the precinct. Further research in this area will focus on disseminating the tool for use by different stakeholders and understanding the preferences of options for different groups of stakeholders and their related environmental impacts.

Abstract: This study is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and focuses on university students in South Korea and China. It explores the impact of the consumption value of sustainable fashion products on consumers' purchase intentions and verifies the moderating effect of environmental concern on the relationship between consumption value and purchase intention. Initially, an empirical analysis is conducted through a questionnaire survey utilizing SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to examine the impact of consumption value on the purchase intentions of university students in South Korea and China. It also explores the moderating effect of environmental concern on the relationship between the sub-factors of consumption value(functional value, social value, emotional value, precious value, ethical value) and purchase intention. Furthermore, to achieve the research objectives, a comprehensive review of relevant domestic and international literature, as well as previous studies, is undertaken to establish a theoretical foundation for the constructs of consumption value, subjective norms, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, purchase intention, and environmental concern. Building upon this theoretical framework, empirical research is conducted to develop and validate the research model and associated hypotheses.The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the market response to sustainable fashion products in both China and South Korea. It seeks to analyze the existing relationship between consumption value and purchase intention regarding sustainable fashion products. Additionally, the research aims to provide insights for fashion enterprises on the appropriate positioning of sustainable fashion products, while also establishing a theoretical foundation to guide the future development of sustainable fashion initiatives.

Abstract: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a national icon, World Heritage Area, and under sustained threat from climate change and terrestrial land-use. It is also a complex $56B asset generating 64K jobs and contributing $6.4B annually to Australia’s economy (2016 figures). Current management predominately treats the GBR as a closed environmental system with emphasis on ecological restoration through predominately government funding. There is a paradox in how climate adaptation strategies are designed. We acknowledge climate is a dynamic, complex, and emergent system, yet we anchor strategies to models that, by necessity, simplify complexity into linear or probabilistic scenarios. This leads to two key issues: a fixation on predictive certainty; and overlooking systemic interactions and Tipping Points. Adaptation must be systemic, not siloed, with policy, finance, infrastructure and cultural adaptation interconnected. We propose that a clear alignment of investment with collaborative regional resilience through a GBR Economic Zone will address this paradox and improve resilience of the regions sustained by and who care for the GBR. More inclusive than standard linear mechanistic thinking, this circular approach will leverage the GBR international status to attract continuing investment in regional resilience and sustainable growth and improve GBR management outcomes.

Abstract: Flax cultivation is influenced by geographical conditions and soil properties, affecting yield and fiber quality. This study examines the performance of two fiber flax varieties, 'Artemida' and 'Hermes,' in central-eastern Poland's agro-climatic and soil conditions using a value chain approach. Field trials were conducted in soils of varying fertility under a continental climate, employing a randomized block design with four replica-tions. Flax straw underwent dew-retting, and long fibers were extracted through la-boratory scutching. Results showed significant differences between varieties. 'Arte-mida' achieved higher straw yields, particularly in moderately fertile soils, while 'Hermes' produced a higher proportion of long fibers and adapted better to less fertile soils. 'Hermes' fibers were thinner and more delicate, whereas 'Artemida' fibers were coarser and stronger. Environmental factors, including soil fertility and climate, sig-nificantly influenced fiber yield and quality, with genotype-environment interactions playing a key role. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers and stakehold-ers in selecting suitable flax varieties for different soil and climatic conditions in cen-tral-eastern Poland. The value chain approach also supports optimizing cultivation practices and improving the economic sustainability of flax production.

Abstract: This study proposes an eco-friendly approach to zeolite agglomeration for petroleum sorbents. The novelty lies in integrating agglomeration and deagglomeration within a single high-pressure grinding roll (HPGR) system, enhancing sorption capacity by creating a secondary porosity network. This eliminates energy-intensive calcination, making it a sustainable alternative to wet granulation. We examine the impact of binder and water dosages on sorption capacity, mechanical resistance, and textural properties of roll-compacted zeolite agglomerates. Feed materials were characterized using N₂ adsorption, XRD, XRF, particle size distribution, and SEM. Structural and functional properties were assessed via mercury intrusion porosimetry, petroleum sorption efficiency (Westinghouse test), sorption capacity, gravitational drop tests, and SEM. All sorbents (0.5–1 mm) met the 50 wt.% oil absorbency threshold for petroleum spill cleanup in Poland. The fabricated zeolite agglomerates exhibited superior sorption capacities compared to zeolite powder, Na-P1, and commercial sorbents. The optimal feed composition yielded sorbents with the best properties and versatile performance. An analysis of sorption characteristics and pore size distribution showed that a higher proportion of 10–100 µm pores improved efficiency. This study addresses the knowledge gap in zeolite powder agglomeration and demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating agglomeration and deagglomeration in a high-pressure roller press.

Abstract: Background: Modern agriculture relies heavily on chemicals to ensure high yields and food security, but their overuse has led to health issues and pest resistance. Researchers are now exploring natural, eco-friendly alternatives for pest control. Methods: This study evaluated two ethanol-based formulations (12.5% and 25% v/v) derived from the tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata L. var 'Clementina') against conventional chemical treatments and untreated control in potato (Solanum tubevar. L. var. ‘Capiro’) cultivation. A randomised block design with three blocks per treatment, each containing 45 plants, was used during the wet season (February–April 2023). Results: Visual inspections and yellow traps followed weekly application from day 30 to 105 post-planting to monitor pest (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphididae) and beneficial insect (e.g., Coccinellidae, Aphis mellifera) populations. The 25% formulation performed similarly to chemical treatments against pests but was harmless to beneficial insects. Post-harvest analysis showed that the formulations achieved 73% of conventional yields, with comparable tuber damage and Premnotrypes vorax larvae levels. Conclusions: Toxicological tests confirmed the formulations' eco-friendliness, making them suitable for small-scale Andean "chakras" for organic farming and honey production without chemicals.

Abstract: The valorization of food waste, particularly in a manner that is decentralized has significant potential to enhance to reuse of organic wastes. A novel technology which converts raw organic waste, particularly vegetable and food waste a de-graded material in approximately 24 hours as a bio fertiliser. The material which is pathogen free and stable and has a texture similar to humic soil conditioner and an aromatic characteristic similar to that of coffee grind . This material is created through the use of a bio-digester. During the process, the food digester or bio-digester does not require any additional fresh water and has little to no grey water discharge to the sewers, environmental conditions dependent. A cultivated and unique consortium of hydrolytic and mesophilic enzymes are added to the pre-conditioned chamber that aggressively breaks down the raw material. This chamber is controlled and monitored to maintain optimum mesophilic conditions throughout the 24-hour period. During the processing of food waste, emissions were recorded as being minimal. The addition of the enzyme had a significant effect on the organic matter characteristics and on the nutrient profile on the material. The nutrient profile, pH, electrical conductivity, heavy metal content, and other parameters of the material produced from the process over a number of years was determined. These data indicate very low levels of heavy metals and reasonable levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Controlled growth studies were conducted to ascertain the comparative growth performance of a model crop, perennial rye grass when grown in soil treated with the material, biowaste compost (BWC) and composted green waste (CGW), all applied at three rates. Overall, the biomass from pots treated with degraded food waste material were higher than pots treated with a biowaste and green waste compost at com-parative application rates on a volume basis. Analysis of the grass for agronom-ically important macronutrients, such as N, P and K, indicated higher uptake rates of these nutrients in the experimental material treated pots over four harvests. Despite higher uptake the residual total nitrogen (N) and available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were higher in the soil after the 4th harvest. The product produced from the food waste processing has a high potential as a viable organ-ic/biofertilizer fertilizer and fits in with the EU strong policy of the Circular Economy and new EU Fertiliser Regulations which promotes organic fertilizer as against mineral fertilizer. The most substantial benefits of such a technology are both the very short turn around and the reduced emissions of GHG gasses re-leased during the processing.