3rd World Conference on Sustainability, Energy and Environment

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the potential for education towards sustainable development (further on – SD) via of foreign language teaching and learning (for specific purposes). The 5 SD developing competencies model is being analysed. As SD education plays a significant role in helping students think more critically about their choices in nearly every aspect of their lives, in this particular research it was important to adopt an educational research perspective to course/curriculum development in FLs. Detailed description includes the justification of course design, learning objectives (including ESD-related goals—materials, activities, and instructional approaches, among other aspects). Students’ opinions (in a format of a questionnaire) were collected in order to get insights on awareness, abilities, perceptions, language, sustainability-related goals, etc. The results of the empiric study indicate that the students, in their own opinion, are more likely to learn better the language and be able to use it effectively while studying SD. The opinions may result from the educational process: when they learn a language through SD, they are using a variety of different methods of learning strategies and competencies, which help them to learn the language more effectively. Findings in the areas of both competencies and pedagogies for SD education strongly imply the benefits of integrative, active, collaborative, and applied approaches to curriculum development and teaching (FLTL) for Specific purposes (SP).

This novel research into practice project explores Kigali, Rwanda's transition towards carbon neutral urban planning and its implications for sustainability and urban development in the Global South. Notably, African countries are leading in the shift towards renewable energy, inspiring smart city initiatives, particularly in Kigali. The study documents architectural and infrastructural transformations in Kigali, examining socio-technical elements facilitating these changes and the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Our methodology utilizes cloud-based simulation analysis, generative design optimization, and building physics tools, incorporating Kigali's geographical and climatic specifics. These strategies have led to an array of initiatives such as sustainable smart buildings, smart traffic management, and digitally enabled economic environments. A case study, the Kigali Innovation City (KIC), exemplifies Kigali's sustainable vision but also reveals challenges like neglect of demographic and economic realities. Learning from these hurdles, the team, including the author, is working on Vision City Phase 2, aiming for International Well-Being Institute certification. This project illustrates the significance of embracing challenges to achieve urban sustainability targets, offering insights into other cities' sustainability and carbon-neutral endeavours and research benchmarking.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained worldwide attention as a solution due to their environmentally friendly characteristics. The need to expand and/or increase the capacity of the existing electric vehicle charging station infrastructure with an appropriate investment plan is on the rise, in parallel with the increasing demand. In this study, considering the existing charging stations, a mixed-integer linear programming model is proposed for the suggested multi-objective optimization problem to determine capacity enhancements in existing charging stations and to identify the locations and capacities of newly to be established ones. The model is used to solve considered design problem to meet EV demands considering closest possible location, while minimizing the investment cost. We consider several factors, such as various EV brands and models, EV and charger power and battery capacities, and different charging service requirements from drivers to solve the problem in a realistic manner. According to the computational analysis, the effectiveness of the model is shown on randomly generated test problems. A set of potential solutions (Pareto front) is obtained by a multi objective approach instead of a unique solution as in single objective cases. Hence, decision makers can choose a result based on their preferences and then implement the selected solution (charging network design).

The FIU Generative AI-SynBio Blue-Green-Structures Design Studio, led by the author, is a five-year funded global research project in different locations and climate zones. We argue that this research project supports to involves collecting and analyzing geospatial climatic data using data-driven Generative AI-ML, Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), and Cellular Automata (CA) design methods with digital twins and surrogate modeling to fitness test and create carbon-positive and renewable energy-powered cities, buildings, and infrastructure scenarios. In addition, the research studio is exploring the integration of innovative solutions for circular metabolism and self-sufficient green-blue adaptive infrastructure modeling tools and workflows that assist adapt to climate change's impacts, such as heat waves, sea-level rise, storm surge, and resource scarcity in the low-lying Miami Island areas of Florida and in low-lying coastal areas of Genoa, Italy.The design and built research projects currently showcase some of its findings in the International Venice Architecture Biennale exhibition of the European Culture Center. This research exhibition aims to provide practical and visionary solutions to coastal cities' challenges with heat waves, rising sea levels, hurricanes and storm surges. The project also uses generative AI-assisted evolutionary algorithms with synthetic biology coding and design modeling workflows to envision carbon-positive blue-green adaptive and reconfigurable infrastructures, buildings, and cities. This cutting-edge experimental project is leading the charge, harnessing the power of Generative AI design with cellular automata growth tools and synthetic biology coding to create a more sustainable, carbon-positive, and resilient future.

The aim of this study is to redesign the mixed model assembly line of the General-Purpose Helicopter for mass production and to improve the designed line using Lean Manufacturing Techniques for a company in Ankara, Turkey. As the system is complex and involves stochastic processes, simulation technique has been used to model the system. The current assemble line is analyzed by a simulation model emphasizing the bottlenecks and the poorly utilized workers. In the established model, the learning rate based on the labour's learning tendency is used in processing times (Learning Curve Theory) for Aviation industry. Validated simulation outputs are collected according to Taguchi design with a focus on minimizing project completion time and total cost. This methodology has enabled an examination of the performance of the existing assembly line, which utilizes a mixed-model production line and variable workforce. Using this methodology, we investigate the system performance of the current assembly line and determine the optimum working conditions with reduced cost, time, and effort. In addition to solving the current optimization problem, the study also aims to increase the productivity of the assembly line through the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques.

The modern world needs green energy and environmentally friendly solutions for the well-being of our ecosystems. As a cleaner production offering a lower carbon footprint, methanol has emerged as a viable option for energy generation and environmental sustainability. Accordingly, multi-objective optimization (MOO) of techno-economic and energy efficiency metrics has been conducted. This MOO involved modeling methanol synthesis from syngas using the Aspen Plus simulator, validated through a literature review. The MOO of methanol production encompasses production cost and energy efficiency objective functions. The optimization process entailed the integration of the Aspen Plus model with MATLAB-NSGA-II evolutionary algorithm, facilitating back-and-forth iterative computation procedures that were conducted until optimal Pareto front solutions were attained. Consequently, the methanol production rate of 233.92 km/hr with 99.999% purity was achieved with Pareto optimal solutions of 74.94% energy efficiency and a production cost of 457.76 $/ton. Furthermore, an Aspen Energy Analyzer (AEA) process heat integration simulation was conducted to assess the methanol synthesis plant's energy consumption and cost reduction. The AEA analysis revealed significant reductions, including a 94.9% decrease in hot utilities, a 67.18% decrease in cold utilities, a 91.87% decrease in overall utility cost, and zero carbon emissions.This study emphasizes notable reductions in methanol production costs and substantial improvements in energy efficiency, highlighting its potential to advance environmental and energy sustainability within the methanol production plant.

Natural gas, the 3rd most used energy source, is often wasted and harms the environment when burned at oil production sites. This study promotes the efficient and clean electricity generation from solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) fueled by flared gas. This study aims to develop a detailed numerical study combining mass and energy balance modeling using ASPEN PLUS, integrated with an electrochemical model using MATLAB, to evaluate electrochemical losses and electrical performance of SOFC stack. In this study, three internal reforming methods are modeled, focusing on SOFC performance when fed by 100% methane and adjusting it to match real flared gas composition. Simulation results favor steam methane reforming as the best method for supplying methane to SOFC anode. Additionally, integrating gas turbine (TG) into SOFC system achieves an outstanding SOFC maximum power density of about 3707.9 W.m-². An extensive study assessed how up-scaling SOFC stack's surface area can affect the hybrid SOFC-TG system in term of total power output, revealing a production capacity 1.375 MWe when the active SOFC surface area is 191.2 m².

A suitable method for the disposal of sewage sludge (SS) is still being sought. Existing disposal methods are mostly unsuitable and have negative impacts on the environment. One of the SS disposal methods, which is mainly used in industrialized countries, is incineration. This method provides energy recovery from SS and removes organic pollutants and pathogens, still it is not a complete disposal method. Although the solid byproduct sewage sludge ash (SSA) from the incineration process is generally classified as a non-hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in a landfill in the usual manner, it must be disposed of according to the principles of circular economy in order to complete the cycle. The physicochemical composition of SSA is similar to that of clay, so its use in the brick industry is being increasingly explored. Previous research on the use of SSA in the production of bricks in the Republic of Croatia investigated the optimal proportion of SSA at which the properties of the brick remain the same or improve. Research has shown that the optimal proportion of SSA is 10%, while the addition of 20% SSA results in lower compressive strength and higher water absorption. Further analysis of the leachability and ecotoxicity of ceramic products made with different types of SSA has been conducted. The determination of ecotoxicity of samples using bacterial culture Vibrio fischeri (EN ISO 11348-1:2000) showed that bricks manufactured with SSA are not ecotoxic. The leaching tests carried out according to the standard EN 12457-2:2005 confirm that bricks made with 20% SSA are classified as inert in all parameters.

This research paper investigates the impact of various energy sources on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in two distinct clusters of European Union (EU) countries. Utilizing a panel dataset spanning the years 1992-2019, we employ regression clustering panel data models to analyse the relationships between CO2 emissions, renewable energy sources (Solar, Hydro, Biofuel), conventional energy sources (Coal), and transitional energy source (nuclear) across these clusters. The findings reveal substantial variations in the impact of energy sources on CO2 abatement between the two clusters. Particularly noteworthy is the unexpected positive effect of Nuclear in the second cluster, prompting a detailed exploration into the contributing factors and policy implications. A comparative analysis between the two clusters highlights distinct patterns: Solar, Hydro, and Nuclear in the first cluster exhibit considerably higher regression coefficients, signifying a more substantial impact on CO2 abatement compared to the second cluster. Conversely, the regression coefficient for the Coal variable in the second cluster is twice the value observed in the first cluster. We discuss these results in the context of the EU taxonomy and its objectives for sustainable finance and environmental goals.

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are integrated and implemented by small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) in a manner consistent with their business model and core competencies, enabling them to adapt to changing environment and providing them a sustainable competitive advantage from other competitors. The awareness of the SDGs among SMEs is rising; however, it does not always translate into meaningful action and effective practices. Therefore, building bridges between theory (awareness) and practice (meaningful action) is an urgent and practical contribution for SMEs integrating and achieving SDGs. This study reviews published articles on the implementation of SDGs in SMEs from 2015 to September 2023 using the Systematic Literature Review methodology. After the PRISMA guidelines with the exclusion criteria were strictly followed, 57 suitable articles were shortlisted within the initial 460 search results. The results of bibliometric and network analyses provide a vivid visual view of the development tendency of the research theme as well as the correlations between publications, authors, keyword trends and the top contributing nations. Through analyzing the content of the selected articles, the variations in SMEs’ approaches to and implementations of the SDGs are observed. Assessing the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable solutions to highlight the initial achievements and the obstacles that must be overcome for SMEs to attain sustainability are conducted. Lastly, fresh research directions for SMEs to achieve SDGs have proposed.

The phenotypic flexibility and adaptability of freshwater fish can lead to morphological and structural changes in response to variations in their environment. The study of these responses is of paramount importance in understanding the vulnerability of these species to environmental perturbations, whether of natural or anthropogenic origin. In this research, we used an altitudinal gradient as an indicator of upstream and downstream environmental variations, and examined its impact on fish morphology and population structure. We chose the barbel, which occupies four different geographical stations, as a suitable biogeographical sample. We explored correlations between several variables using biological, ecological, morphological and environmental analyses. Analyses of water quality revealed a clear improvement upstream, favoring the isolation of Luciobarbus ksibi in terms of its adaptation to high altitudes, while downstream, the disappearance of Luciobarbus magniatlantis highlighted the sensitivity of these populations to variations in environmental quality. Along the altitudinal gradient, Ait Ourir barbels showed a reduction in the distance between their dorsal and pectoral fins as they moved upstream, while Tamgounnssi barbels showed an increased eye diameter and maximum body depth. In contrast, upstream barbel from Mriouate and Zerouane showed higher values for eye diameter, with Mriouate showing a longer pre-orbital distance and Zerouane a shorter pre-orbital distance. These observations suggest potential adaptations of fish to different environmental conditions along the altitudinal gradient, in response to thermal and hydrological variations. Other morphometric and functional characteristics were also influenced by selective environmental factors. These results highlight the sensitivity of barbel to climate change, paving the way for future studies in the field of ecological conservation.

Cutting carbon emissions and reduction in global warming, world is relying on the carbon capture approach. To see the world with Net Zero Emissions by 2050, researchers strongly believing in the carbon capturing and storage to be combat technique for climate change. Various studies have been conducted to evaluate the techniques from simple direct absorption to novel membrane adsorption and biological methods. In achieving the impossible, this review paper mainly focused on the comparison of two carbon capturing methods; Natural Mineralization and Artificial Algal System Sequestration. Among the other terrestrial organisms, algae are found to have forty times higher photosynthesis rate which gives more weightage to the algae to be the part of bio-circular economy by diversifying the feed stock and raw material. Overview on the potential of carbon capture and storage technologies, the review articles further elaborate findings of the comparative study of both approaches and their benefits in terms of carbon cutting and climate action. Key parameters considered in the comparison were capturing and storage efficiency of both techniques, capacity and socioeconomic constraints involved in both approaches. The objective of article also includes the future roadmap for research and development for such approaches and give the idea on merger of various subjects to furnish the algae as commercial feedstock to cut carbon emissions.

Coal is one of the extensively used fossil fuel around the globe but coal having high sulfur content is posing serious environmental concerns. Many techniques and technologies have been evaluated to combat this issue. Pakistan is a signatory of SDGs so present research is aligned to achieve SDG 7, 12 and 13. Recently ionic liquids have gained importance due to their low vapor pressure, high thermal and electrical stability and low melting points as compared to ionic salts. Considering these facts this research is an exploration of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) synthesis and application as desulfurizing agent. Imidazole, N-methyl imidazole, 2-Ethylimidazole, and N-butylimidazole were reacted with Methane sulfonic acid to produce imidazolium based RTILs sharing the same mesylate anion. Imidazolium-mesylate [IM+][MeSO3-], N-methyl imidazolium-mesylate [MIM+][MeSO3-], 2-Ethylimidazolium-mesylate, [EIM+][MeSO3-], and N-butylimidazolium-mesylate [BIM+][MeSO3-] were analyzed by spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation. Desulfurization capacities of RTILs were evaluated against coal samples collected from Sharigh coal mine located in Baluchistan province of Pakistan. Proximate and ultimate analysis of coal samples was done according to reported ASTM methods and the highest sulfur content was recorded as 11.8 % having gross calorific value of 13318 BTU/Lb. The analyzed coal samples were subjected to oxidative and extractive desulfurization process using RTILs. FTIR and HPLC data suggest these RTILs very effective in remediation of organic as well as inorganic sulfur.

Climate change is progressively changing the nature of work in various occupations and the skills required of many workers even in the STEM fields. Traditionally, hard skills have been considered essential, yet, several studies highlight the crucial role of soft skills in rapidly changing working environments. Therefore, the ability to develop these skills as part of a holistic approach to the 'greening' of the economy is essential for educators, as their students are future workers and potential change agents in the green industry. At the same time, more knowledge about the context in which soft skills are used is of great interest. This research is addressed to STEM educators and companies in the green sector in six European countries and highlights the status and teaching practices of soft skills in STEM higher education, as well as the barriers experienced by educators. Secondly, it explores how soft skills and their role in the green transition are perceived in the green industry and in which specific situations they are essential. The findings provide some interesting insights for STEM educators and managers in the green industry. The results show that soft skills are widely recognized but with notable differences between countries. Some of them, such as communication, empathy and problem-solving, are particularly useful as the green transition essentially involves changing mindsets, working in multidisciplinary environments and influencing employees and customers.

Despite the fact that the target production of agriculture is food production, in recent years there has also been a significant need to use the potential of agricultural biomass in the bioeconomy strategy being developed in Poland. Therefore, an important issue seems to be the development of an effective methodology for estimating individual types of agricultural biomass, which would make it possible to study the flow of its resources between sectors, build the foundations of logistics, as well as estimate the possibility of its share in the strategic energy sector. This need is recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, at whose request a biomass monitoring system was developed at IUNG-PIB as part of a targeted subsidy.

Due to the intensive transition to renewable energy sources, the development of photovoltaic power plants in Europe, including in Bulgaria, is very dynamic. However, there is a lack of sufficient scientific papers quantifying the direct and indirect impacts of photovoltaics on the biological diversity and ecosystems integrity. Such data will provide important support to the national development of clean energy and sustainable land use planning. The goal of the present study was to assess the ecological effects of а photovoltaic power plant and to determine the potential significance for the surrounding ecosystem. Some field studies during the vegetation period of 2023 have been done and the plant performance as well as invertebrate diversity on the power plant’s territory have been observed. Simultaneously, some physical parameters (air temperature, light intensity, soil temperature, moisture and pH) of the environment have been measured also. Data revealed that there are significant differences between the ecological impact of solar trackers and stationary installed solar panels (p<0.05). Soil humidity and temperature under the solar panels differed significantly by those of the soil between panels’ rows (p<0.05). The presence of photovoltaic panels alters the vegetation species composition. Plant coverage under the stationary solar panels was very poor as a whole and even missing, but this effect is not found below and around the solar trackers. Similar trend was observed in relation to the invertebrate fauna. So, it is obvious that the photovoltaics panels alter site conditions but to some extent the vegetation and invertebrates can adapt.

This article deals with sustainable optimization of electricity consumption on a construction site, with an emphasis on energy saving measures. Research has demonstrated high values of electricity consumption on construction sites and identified a number of promising opportunities to achieve savings in excess of 30 percent. Due to technological developments and the increasing electrification of construction machinery, it is expected that energy consumption on construction sites will continue to increase. This paper provides a thorough analysis of current electricity consumption on selected construction sites and identifies specific areas with high potential for savings. Based on this analysis, a methodology is developed that uses a combination of innovative technologies and solutions, takes into account the trend towards electrification of machinery and focuses on reducing peak power draws. A variety of factors are taken into account in the development of this methodology, including the characteristics of work activities and seasonal variations. The objective of the proposed methodology is to achieve not only immediate energy savings but also sustainable long-term operation on site. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the importance of high consumption values on construction sites and outlines concrete steps towards efficient use of electricity within the construction process.