International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development (26 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Open Access

  Assessing smallholder farmers' perception of value creation and appropriation in sustainable production ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Luiz Carlos Demattê Filho, Ícaro Célio Santos de Carvalho, Cecilia Mitie Ifuki Mendes, Rafael Araújo Nacimento, Luciana Marques Vieira 
  Abstract: Market opportunities and improved demands for sustainable production and consumption highlight the importance of engaging smallholder farmers. This study aims to understand the transition towards sustainability through the perception about the value created and appropriated of small poultry farmers who supply a company that practices Nature Farming, in a vertical integration system. The authors adopted a system of indicators (Ambitec-Agro, assessment of the impact of technological innovations in agriculture) and used content analysis software (ATLAS.ti) to assess farmers' perceptions. The results suggest that the transition to sustainable production creates capacities to add value, mainly from social and economic perspectives. In addition, the relational value has a strong influence on this dynamic. The study contributes by proposing an application of methodology based on mixed methods to identify the perceptions of smallholder farmers about created and appropriated value in migrating from an input-intensive production to a sustainable system, offering opportunities for improvement in traditional supply chains.
  Keywords: poultry production; shared value; sustainable farming; value perception; relational value; vertical integration system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10052369
   
  
• Public parks accessibility analysis through GIS: a case study of Tanddo Allahyar City  
  by Abdul Ghaffar Tahiri, Irfan Ahmed Memon, Saima Kalwar, Noman Sahito, Gopal Das, Shaharyar Brohi 
  Abstract: Parks and recreational spaces play a major role in upgrading the living conditions of urban areas. Easily accessible public parks are a crucial aspect of sustainable urban planning. Objective is to assess the level of serviceability of public parks in terms of accessibility, and spatial distribution of neighbourhood and city parks. The data obtained from USGS Earth Explorer and Google Earth software, and was put in ArcGIS 10.2 software for creating land use land cover map of study area. Methods of buffer and network analysis used for accessibility analysis of public parks category-wise. The catchment area limit is set as 300 m and 800 m for neighbourhood park, and city park respectively. The results reveal the clear distinction in the availability of parks across the study area. However, study findings may help concerned authorities and stakeholders to the creation of standards for the delivery of parks and green spaces.
  Keywords: public parks; accessibility; GIS; network analysis; buffer analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2021.10043797
   
  
• Ant Forest - China's low-carbon consumption practices driven by a community currency mechanism  
  by Scott Y. Lin, Jiawei Zeng 
  Abstract: Ant Forest (mayi senlin, ) is a Chinese low-carbon consumption project initiated in the mid-2010s under China's personal carbon trading scheme. Based on its internal logic, this projects operation can be associated with a green movement within community currencies (CCs). This study investigates how Ant Forest (a type of CC mechanism) participates in, integrates, and even innovate the mechanism of environmental governance in China. From the CC perspective of a new economics centred on low carbon consumption, a multi-criteria qualitative evaluation tool with a set of indicators is adapted for the case analysis. The results show that the mechanism design of Ant Forest can develop a local circular economy, cultivate environmental awareness among citizens, build a low-carbon consumption community, create community interaction and pool social capital. The case of Ant Forest shows a bottom-up structure which enables public participation in China's environmental governance.
  Keywords: Ant Forest; community currency; personal carbon trading; PCT; low-carbon consumption; Chinese environmental governance; Alibaba; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10045305
   
  
• Diversity of freshwater fish and water quality parameters associated threats of commercially important freshwater species caught by bottom trawl and mid-water trawl from the various habitat  
  by Naveed Ahmed Abro, Zameer Ali Pahl, Shaharyar Brohi, Khalid Lashari, Mehjabeen Noor, Sujo Meghwar, Muneer Hussain, Sarfaraz Ahmed Channa 
  Abstract: The River Indus is one of the most extended water bodies in Pakistan. It is a source of drinking water, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, agriculture and aquaculture. The present examination wanted to survey the river’s physicochemical parameters and biodiversity from June 2016 to May 2017. Total eight stations have been selected along the Indus River, and 08 water quality parameters, i.e., temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, power of hydrogen, transparency, alkalinity, hardness, and total dissolved solids, have been checked from all stations on the spot and bring water samples in a plastic bottle. Fish samples were also collected from all stations, preserved all the samples in 10% formalin, and further investigated in the Fresh Water Biology Laboratory at the University of Sindh Jamshoro. A total of 45 fish species have been identified throughout the study period.
  Keywords: biodiversity; water quality parameters; Indus River.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10044153
   
  
• Enhancing fairness in the Paris Agreement: lessons from the Montreal and Kyoto protocols and the path ahead  
  by Donia Mahabadi 
  Abstract: Broad participation and compliance are key elements of any successful international environmental agreement (IEA). Notwithstanding the participation of a significant number of countries in the Paris Agreement, the level of compliance remains challenging. This article investigates the potential role of fairness in enhancing compliance under the Paris Agreement. It draws lessons from the Montreal and Kyoto protocols that could assist the Paris Agreement in incentivising countries. The article discusses the operationalisation of the common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC) principle in different treaties. A formulaic approach to interpreting the CBDR-RC principle and the imposition of restrictions on non-compliant parties could be effective ways of promoting compliance with the Paris Agreement. Besides, market-based solutions are considered as economic approaches to incentivising countries to meet the climate target. The importance of market-based solutions is supported by the findings from a worldwide survey among international delegates negotiating the Paris Agreement.
  Keywords: international environmental agreements; IEA; Paris Agreement; carbon market mechanisms; fairness; compliance; common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities; CBDR-RC.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10046694
   
  
• A comprehensive economic impact assessment framework with some examples from the open cut and underground coal mining in India  
  by Galina Williams 
  Abstract: Economic impact assessment (EcIA) is an important part of a broader environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. However, EcIA has not been used to its full potential. This paper suggests a comprehensive framework of projects’ impact assessment which utilises two complementary techniques such as risk assessment (RA) and regional impact analysis (e.g., input output analysis) of alternative investments in an extended cost benefit analysis (CBA). Types of impacts that warrant an inclusion of RA in EcIA are discussed. The extension of regional impact analysis could assist in increasing positive impacts from proposed projects for local economies. Comprehensive EcIA could help to improve overall EcIA of projects especially those projects that might be potentially damaging for the environment and communities, although they would bring employment and income in the regions. Qualitative discussion using some examples from coal mining in India is provided.
  Keywords: economic impact assessment; EcIA; regional economic impact analysis; risk assessment; cost benefit analysis; CBA; input output analysis; India; environmental impact assessment; EIA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10046695
   
  
• The relationship between adopting sustainability-oriented innovation practices and the business models of Brazilian industrial companies  
  by Jordana Marques Kneipp, Clandia Maffini Gomes, Felipe Cavalheiro Zaluski, Greice Eccel Pontelli, Rodrigo Reis Favarin 
  Abstract: This study aimed to analyse the relationship between adopting sustainability-oriented innovation practices and the business models of Brazilian industrial companies. A quantitative study was conducted using a 109-question survey with companies that benefited from the Lei do Bem (Law of Good), and quantitative data analysis was performed by structural equation modelling. The results indicated that sustainability-oriented organisational innovation, product innovation, and innovation practices positively influenced the companies’ business models. By addressing sustainable innovation in the context of the business model of industrial companies, this study contributes to reducing the negative socio-environmental impacts inherent to industrial activities and inserts sustainability through innovation into their business models.
  Keywords: business models; sustainable innovation; innovation practices; industrial companies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10046696
   
  
• Fabrication of industrially feasible zeolite membrane for the removal of hexavalent chromium  
  by R. Vinoth Kumar, Ashim Kumar Basumatary, G. Pugazhenthi 
  Abstract: The present study proposed fabricating an industrially feasible zeolite membrane on an indigenously developed inexpensive tubular ceramic substrate. A type of zeolite framework, Faujasite, was deposited on the substrate using source materials, such as alumina and silica, by hydrothermal treatment. The membrane was characterised by XRD, FESEM, zeta potential, and contact angle analyses. Distinguishable physical and structural characteristics of the zeolite membrane from ceramic substrate substantiated a formation of the composite membrane. Further, the potentiality of the membrane was assessed on the removal of hexavalent chromium from synthetic wastewater at various operating parameters in a crossflow system. The prepared membrane offered a maximum chromium removal of 82% with a flux of 5.05 x 10-5 m3m-2s-1 at the operating conditions of 1,000 ppm concentration, 345 kPa pressure, and 1.11 x 10-6 m3s-1 crossflow rate. The membrane revealed its essential employment by providing a higher flux with better rejection than other membranes applied in chromium removal.
  Keywords: Faujasite; hydrothermal treatment; zeolite membrane; chromium removal; contact angle; tubular membrane; Indian clays; low-cost membrane; zeta potential; composite membrane.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10047194
   
  
• The blue bioeconomy the creation of a healthy fish farming business ecosystem  
  by Tero Leppänen, Vesa Lind, Henna Longi, Harri Haapasalo, Pekka Tervonen 
  Abstract: Customers expectations for speed, reliability and convenience are growing relentlessly. Therefore, companies need to distance themselves from traditional supply chain thinking and instead consider value nets, value networks and business ecosystems composed of several companies and multiple interlinked value chains. In this study, the concept of business ecosystems and their applicability have been examined in the context of bioeconomy. The objective of this paper is to describe the creation process of a healthy bioeconomy business ecosystem which was analysed via a descriptive and participatory case study. The case bioeconomy business ecosystem was created based on value networks with a heavy emphasis placed on the principles of the circular economy. This study concludes that there are four key aspects to consider in the creation of bioeconomy business ecosystems: the significance of market pull, the importance of physical proximity, the higher relevance of strong relationships and avoiding compromises that weaken process efficiency.
  Keywords: bioeconomy; business ecosystem; circular economy; ecosystem health; fish farming; industrial side stream; industrial symbiosis; value network.
  
  
• Can renewable energy microfinance promote financial inclusion and empower the vulnerable?  
  by Andrea Gatto 
  Abstract: Energy microfinance is a promising asset for ensuring access to finance and electricity for the poor and women living in rural areas. Targeting vulnerable categories, renewable energy microfinance tools aim to promote sustainability and resilience policies to foster sustainable energy and ecological transitions. This research note explores the role of energy microfinance policies in facilitating virtuous loops for empowering the vulnerable, enhancing entrepreneurship, fighting poverty, and promoting social inclusion and environmental protection - as prescribed by the sustainable development mandate. Examining the microfinance-renewable energy-vulnerable nexus, the paper proposes a conceptual contribution and fungible development policy recommendations, sketching the main drivers of this linkage. To this end, a critical review of existing publications and successful world experiences is proposed. The analysis finds out a relevant potential for energy microfinance, whereby renewable energy expansion can be a strong player in shaping fresh microfinance strategies and prospects, providing ecological, social, economic and governance benefits and new research, policy, and practical agenda.
  Keywords: vulnerable; renewable energy; microfinance; energy policy; sustainable development; women empowerment; poverty alleviation; entrepreneurship boosting.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10049472
   
  
• Is financial development good for ecological footprint? A Bayesian multilevel mixed-effects analysis in ASEAN countries  
  by Nguyen Tien Long, Bui Hoang Ngoc 
  Abstract: Improving per capita income and environmental protection are two crucial goals of macro-economic planning policies, especially in emerging countries. This study aims to investigate the impact of financial development on the ecological footprint in ASEAN countries from 1995 to 2016. The empirical results of the Bayesian multilevel mixed-effects analysis show that financial development has a moderately positive effect, whilst economic growth and urbanisation have a strongly positive effect on ecological footprint. These findings support the view of “more money, more control” to achieve sustainable development goals in ASEAN. Based on empirical results, the study suggests that the ASEAN countries should allocate financial resources to encourage the application of eco-friendly technologies, and improve environmental regulatory standards, including the introduction of environmental taxes, defining public property rights.
  Keywords: financial development; ecological footprint; economic growth; Bayesian analysis; ASEAN.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10047562
   
  
• Scenario-based evaluation of integrated urban water management framework: a decision making approach  
  by Satya Prakash Maurya, Anurag Ohri, Prabhat Kumar Singh, Ramesh Singh 
  Abstract: n general, urban water management has been viewed as an exercise of meeting the domestic and industrial water demands from surface water and ground water sources. Nevertheless water-based development planning requires realistic estimation of balance between supply and demand within the geographical boundary. Recently, water management system is facing challenges of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in urban water sector. In the present paper an attempt has been made to review the various frameworks and systems developed for evaluating sustainability of an integrated urban water management (IUWM). Further, a computer application-based conceptual framework has been developed as a decision support system for integrated urban water management (DSS_IUWM) taking urban water management of Varanasi City (UP, India) as a case study. With the combination of available alternate water supply in the city, a scenario-based urban water balance has been evaluated. The study indicates that urban water balance (UWB) of Varanasi City is under unsustainable water condition with a negative value of 97 MCM. The study finally reports that a water sustainable condition in Varanasi City may be achieved through augmentation of storm water (55.4 MCM) management or reduction in fresh water demand through reuse of reclaimed water (36.5 MCM).
  Keywords: integrated urban water management; IUWM; reclaimed water; sustainability; urban water balance; UWB; water for development planning; WDP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10047590
   
  
• Highly cited articles in life cycle assessment research in 21st century: a systematic and visualised analysis  
  by Maziar Ramezani Moziraji, Mohammad Reza Sabour, Ghorban Ali Dezvareh, Mir Amir Mohammad Reshadi 
  Abstract: This paper aims to examine the trends and various aspects of life cycle assessment (LCA) research using bibliometric analysis to gain a deeper perspective on the various avenues of LCA research. Using the Scopus database, the relationship between countries, journals, authors, and keywords was analysed, and the results were visualised using the VOSviewer software. According to the findings, during this time frame, 1669 highly cited papers were published in 160 journals focusing on LCA with the highest output coming from the Journal of Cleaner Production. 4155 authors from a variety of countries have contributed to the subject at hand. The top five contributing countries have been highlighted in this paper among which the USA served as the main research hub. Additionally, the co-occurrence network of keywords identifies four focal points for LCA research, highlighting the topics that have garnered the most attention in recent years and those that will continue to grow rapidly in the future.
  Keywords: life cycle assessment; LCA; Scopus; VOSviewer; clustering; visual analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10048689
   
  
• Reducing environmental pressures produced by household food waste: initiatives and policy challenges  
  by Xavier Oña-Serrano, Oswaldo Viteri-Salazar, Juan José Cadillo Benalcázar, Xavier Buenaño Guerra, Maribel Alexandra Quelal-Vásconez 
  Abstract: In this study, an environmental approach is used to reveal pressures on natural resources caused by food waste and depicted through water, land and energy footprints. The purpose is: 1) to quantify food waste in households in the Metropolitan District of Quito; 2) to determine the environmental pressure of food waste on energy, water and land. Finally, an analysis of some initiatives for reducing food waste and policies applied to the supply chain of the products selected was performed. To that end, an online survey was carried out, and the responses were classified through a descriptive analysis to establish categories of food and the energy, water, and land footprints of rice and potatoes. The results and information presented here are expected to be valuable for generating or rethinking policies to make improvements in the food system to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
  Keywords: household food waste; environmental pressure; Sustainable Development Goal 12.3; potato; rice; reduction initiatives.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10048771
   
  
• Evaluating a tool for the practice of corporate social innovations: a survey of Brazilian companies  
  by Marcelo A. Dionisio, Eduardo Raupp De Vargas 
  Abstract: To help reduce inequality, businesses are turning to corporate social innovations (CSI) to achieve both business results and social value. This study aims to evaluate and validate the CSI framework proposed by Mirvis and Googins as a tool for practicing CSI. We based our study on a survey conducted with Brazilian companies that participate in the UN Global Compact, the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world to mobilise companies and stakeholders to do business responsibly, including 142 answers out of a sample of 609 companies. The data were analysed through a structural equation modelling (SEM) conducting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the CSI framework to confirm the correlation between the five constructs, therefore establishing the validity of this framework as a tool for the practice of CSI. We expect to offer both a theoretical and a practical contribution by reinforcing the relevance of the CSI concept along with testing and validating the CSI framework as a tool to help evaluate, analyse, and implement CSI initiatives, advancing its practice and promoting the CSI concept.
  Keywords: corporate social innovation; CSI; survey; LinkedIn; social innovation; structural equation modelling; SEM; confirmatory factor analysis; CFA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10050836
   
  
• Precise pollution control in new urban development areas: a case study from China  
  by Cong Wang, Yingchun Hao, Jidong Yao 
  Abstract: To overcome the difficulty of pollution control, it is necessary to investigate and implement a more precise and effective pollution control model. This paper examines the implementation of precise pollution control in Beijing’s Shunyi District. Through field research interviews and data collection, we conclude that the current implementation status of precise pollution control is a grid-based governance model with precise identification, accurate positioning, and refined management of environmental pollution. Certain technical difficulties in the precise identification of pollutants, the single structure of the main body for the precise location of pollution sources, and the need for the level of precise management to be strengthened are all part of the current problem analysis. Our suggestions include improving the scientific and technological capability of precise identification, improving the main structure of precise positioning, and fortifying the construction of a refined management system.
  Keywords: precise pollution control; grid-based management; new urban development area; sustainable development; ecological environment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10051002
   
  
• Impact of environmental and economic determinants on life expectancy: a sustainable development exploration in Sino-Pak from 1965 to 2020  
  by Hafiz Syed Mohsin Abbas, Aisha Azhar, Ahmad Ali Gul 
  Abstract: This study comparatively examines the impact of environmental, economic, and fiscal determinants on health well-being (life expectancy-LE) and social development in Sino-Pak. The present study uses LE at birth to proxy health well-being and the dependent variable. At the same time, carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc) as independent variables from 1965-to-2020, and current health expenditures per capita (CHE) is moderator variable from 2000-to-2020. OLS Statistics and graphical demonstrations show that CO2 emissions negatively affect the LE in Sino-Pak throughout the selected period while GDPpc has improved the LE in both countries. Adding a moderator role shows that CHE has played a promising role in China compared to Pakistan for life quality and sustainable development Goal 03. The study concludes that the Pakistan Government should adopt effective fiscal and administrative policies from China for better implementations and effective health well-being to achieve the SDG.
  Keywords: carbon dioxide emissions; CO2; current health expenditures per capita; CHE; gross development product per capita; GDPpc; sustainable development; life expectancy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10052100
   
  
• Ecological assessment of low carbon design of garden based on optimal BP neural network  
  by Min Yu, Yahui Zhang, Fangrong Yang, Panpan Jiao 
  Abstract: The contemporary ecological effect evaluation methods are mostly applied to a number of building industries in large municipal areas, and the ecological evaluation criteria for small area-wide buildings such as gardens are not very clear, leading to a lack of relevant evaluation guidance for garden design and architecture. The error of the proposed model is compared with the traditional algorithm, and the application effect of the model is analysed with the actual garden samples. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional BP neural network, the three output errors of the back propagation-genetic algorithm neural network model are reduced by 7.1%, 4.09% and 2.6%. At the same time, the low carbon design of the gardens reduced the concentration of SO2, NO2 harmful gases in the air of the town area by 0.193 mg/m3 and 0.263 mg/m3, respectively.
  Keywords: landscape design; back propagation neural network; genetic algorithm; ecological environment assessment; low carbon effect.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10054228
   
  
• Varied perceptions of environmental impacts from informal public transport hubs in two sub-Saharan African cities (Nairobi and Ibadan)  
  by Vincent Onyango, Adebola Olowosegun, Dumiso Moyo 
  Abstract: This paper explored perceptions of the environmental impacts of informal public transport (IPT) in Ibadan, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya. Based on a questionnaire survey supplemented by exploratory factor analysis the results revealed unanimous agreement that IPT hubs and the infrastructure around them are perceived as having adverse impacts on local people and their environment. There exist statistically significant differences on the perceptions, including the latent factors underpinning them, at city level and across respondent's backgrounds. The findings imply significant scope for urban planning practice and policy-making to find systematic methods to integrate the knowledge about IPT's perceived environmental impacts, from all urban citizens, as a means to pro-actively enhance their rights and inclusiveness. This will ameliorate a planning culture that often ignores the realities and concerns of the marginalised.
  Keywords: informal public transport; IPT; environmental impacts; perceptions; Nairobi; Ibadan; urban planning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2021.10042403
   
  
• Assessment of issues related to international trade and environmental impacts (emissions): an analysis for Brazil  
  by Weslem Rodrigues Faria, Vinicius de Almeida Vale, Fernando Salgueiro Perobelli, Admir Antonio Betarelli Junior 
  Abstract: This study is aimed at evaluating the impacts of the Brazilian trade structure on the amount of emissions, that is, at identifying the main trade links of Brazil in terms of CO₂ emissions. We have considered two simulations through a global computable general equilibrium model - GTAP-E, calibrated with 2011 data. The first simulation specifies an incentive of 10% in the form of subsidies to Brazil's world exports to all sectors and regions. Analogously, the second simulation specifies a reduction of 10% in import tariffs for all sectors and regions of Brazil. The main results indicate that incentives to exports and imports would increase the emissions in Brazil and in most other regions. Firstly, because of the increase in the economic activity level of those sectors that use energy products more intensely as intermediate inputs, such as the transport sector. Secondly, because of the relative cheapness of foreign products, which would facilitate the purchase of energy inputs by Brazil. The main CO₂ emission channels of the Brazilian international trade are with the rest of Europe and Argentina.
  Keywords: international trade; emissions; computable general equilibrium model; Brazil.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10053917
   
  
• Assessment of municipal solid waste management in the city of Dadu, Sindh, Pakistan  
  by Shaharyar Brohi, Saima Kalwar, Irfan Ahmed Memon, Rabia Gill, Tarique Ahmed Khuhro 
  Abstract: MSWM is a significant issue in developing countries worldwide. The research aims to determine the problems and total/per capita waste generations and address some of the research shortage regarding MSWM in the Dadu. A structured close-ended questionnaire survey has been used, whereas interviews have been designed to ask officials regarding the MSWM. SPSS and ArcGIS software were use for the analysis of data. To evaluate the policies designed for MSWM and the study area's existing situation, the 'wasteaware' benchmark indicator framework technique is used. The results revealed that the MSW generation is 117 tons/d, which equals 0.62 kg/cap/day and illustrates the weak system. The inhabitants of Dadu MC generate 59% organic waste. It has been observed that all services of MSWM are provided by the public sector, with zero contribution from the informal sectors, and require improvements in management and physical infrastructure.
  Keywords: wasteaware benchmark indicator; close-ended questionnaires; organic waste; Dadu City; ArcGIS; Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10044229
   
  
• Qualitative and quantitative photochemical analysis of amla (Emblica officinalis) and henna (Lawsonia inermis)  
  by Mehjabeen Noor, Shehnaz Panhwar, Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Zameer Ali, Shehryar Brohi, Sujo Meghwar, Shafique Ur Rehman 
  Abstract: The present research work was undertaken with this aim to inspect the two medicinally important plants henna (Lawsonia inermis) of the family lythraceae and amla (Emblica officinalis) of family phyllanthaceae for their phytochemical analysis using ethanol and methanol reagents. The determinations under ethanol and methanol dilution of L. inermis for qualitative screening of tannins were positive, phlobatannins were positive, saponins were positive and in flavonids test results were also found positive. While the determinations under ethanol and methanol dilution of E. officinalis for qualitative screening of tannins test gave positive results, its phlobatannins gave positive results but less; saponins also gave positive results and flavonoids gave negative results. And then the determinations under ethanol and methanol dilution of L. inermis for quantitative screening of total carbohydrates were 6.547 and 6.276 µg/ml, reducing sugars 0.035 and 0.259 µg/ml, total proteins 0.245 and 0.420 µg/ml, phenolic compounds were 27.1191 and 35.2316 µg/ml, total flavonoids contents 0.154 and 0.261 µg/ml, tannins contents 0.664 and 1.292 µg/ml, and antioxidant activity were 2.411 and 3.218 µg/ml respectively.
  Keywords: henna; amla; qualitative; quantitative; medicinal plants.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10044151
   
  
• Greenwash, show your true colours: how verbal and visual messages influence consumers' perception?  
  by Kenny Basso, Jandir Pauli, Priscila Cerutti, Marcia Perin, Vitor Francisco Dalla Corte, Leila Dal Moro 
  Abstract: There is a gap between information on green products or cleaner production presented by the companies using verbal and visual messages and the consumer's perception. In this respect, the current research aims to verify how verbal and visual messages differently influence consumers perceptions of greenwash in an advertisement. A single factor experiment was designed. The results indicate that people exposed to the text format presented a lower elaboration (M = 3.75) than the subjects exposed to the image format (M = 4.91). The communication through an image created a more suspicious and negative word of mouth about the text format. In this way, an image may require a level of cognitive effort that can harm the greenwash perception.
  Keywords: cleaner production; consumers; environment; greenwash; perceptions; sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.10044789
   
  

Special Issue on: Applications of Renewable Energy and Sustainability

• Integrating fuzzy multi-criteria analysis for sustainable configuration of an on-grid hybrid renewable energy system: case study of Tunisia  
  by Zainab Koubaa, Mohamed Ali Elleuch, Ahmed Frikha 
  Abstract: Around the world, the tendency to integrate hybrid renewable energy sources (HRES) is becoming more popular due to sustainable electricity supply. However, determining the best sizing is a complex problem. Most existing decision aid tools to evaluate this design only consider the economic aspect. The use of just one criterion for determining the most appropriate HRES has been considered insufficient in terms of sustainability. To overcome this gap, this paper develops a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) to obtain sustainable and resilient design of grid HRES for the electrification. Then, we made use of fuzzy multi-attribute decision making (FMADM) and multi-objective decision making (FMODM) by considering conflicting objectives aiming in elaborating a sustainable configuration of HRES. The proposed methodology was tested and validated with a real case study in Rades, Tunisia. The results highlight that the selected HRES not only ensures an economical system but also provides environmental and social advantages.
  Keywords: environment; hybrid energy system; renewable energy; fuzzy multi-attribute decision; fuzzy multi-objective decision; sustainable development; Tunisia.
  
  
• A GIS-based green infrastructure planning framework for water sensitive spatial planning  
  by Anju John, Anjana Bhagyanathan 
  Abstract: Green infrastructure (GI) as appropriately allocated land-uses in areas that are meant for inundation during intense rainfall, to encourage percolation and thereby reduce runoff is an important aspect of water-sensitive spatial planning. For tropical belts that combine high population density, rainfall, and landscape change due to rapid urbanisation, this is of paramount importance. The paper attempts to lay out an ecological planning framework for flood risk reduction through GI delineation. Multi-criteria decision analysis that takes into account meteorology, geology, geomorphology, surface-water hydrology, soils, and land-use land-cover patterns is being adopted. Physiographic division of river basin is considered the primary organising factor for the framework developed. The method is demonstrated using a typical watershed in Kerala that has witnessed a widespread loss of lives and property during subsequent floods. This framework will have applications in urban and regional planning, nature conservation fields, water-sensitive spatial planning, and climate change resilience planning.
  Keywords: green infrastructure planning; water-sensitive spatial planning; site suitability analysis; multi-criteria decision analysis; land-use land-cover change; runoff characteristics; Kerala flood 2018; Chaliyar river basin.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10054356
   
  
• A two stage optimal scheduling strategy of hybrid energy system integrated day-ahead electricity market  
  by Nitesh Kumar Singh, Chaitali Koley, Sadhan Gope 
  Abstract: Renewable energy sources mostly suffer from their fluctuating and intermittent nature, which causes them to be restructured in the form of hybrid energy systems. In this paper, a two-stage optimal scheduling strategy for hybrid energy systems containing wind, solar, and energy storage systems along with conventional sources is presented. In the first stage, the imbalance cost in wind energy integrated systems is minimised with complementary renewables, i.e., solar, and further with different types of energy storage systems. In the second stage, the energy arbitrage facility of the electricity market is incorporated into the hybrid energy system for profit with imbalance mitigation using hybrid energy storage. The modified IEEE 30 bus system with a 35 MW wind farm and a 1 MW solar PV system is considered here. Results were obtained using the moth swarm algorithm (MSA) and verified using the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm.
  Keywords: wind farm; solar PV; imbalance cost; energy arbitrage; energy storage system; hybrid energy storage system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2023.10054534