Submit to Sustainability Review for Sustainability Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioeconomy of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2023) | Viewed by 31970

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Muhammad Ikram

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Business Administration (SBA), Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Ifrane 53000, Morocco
Interests: environmental management systems; sustainability; green technologies; sustainable development goals; integrated management systems; circular economy; climate change; energy policy; clean energy; grey systems theory

Dr. Marcos Ferasso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Economics and Business Sciences Department, Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 1169-023 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: green innovation; sustainable development; circular economy; sustainable development goals; environmental management; entrepreneurship

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Scope and Coverage: In the last decades, a range of new green information and communication technologies have fundamentally altered the nature of collaboration and organization of geographically dispersed individual firms. A significant part of green technology (GT) concentrates on energy savings and environmentally friendly production. GT is the scene of novel forms of knowledge creation and increases green innovation by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering environmental burden, and increasing environmentally friendly production. GT represents new forms of managing the business process for accelerating high-quality green development. The external environment that drives organizations to develop green technologies is often crucial, as it significantly improves a firm’s sustainability performance. There has been growing recognition of exploring GT strategies in strategic decisions. However, little attention has been paid to integrating GT strategies for sustainability planning.

GT also tends to minimize the environmental impacts of economic growth and boost social progress. There is a promising future for green technology to meet the need for economic prosperity in developing economies, such as China, as its environmental performance is still low, compared to the other developed economies. In such circumstances, green economic transitions and transformation are necessary to stabilize natural systems; therefore, it is critical to focus on those countries with the most vulnerability and environmental hazards. As evident in previous literature, economic and social development differs across regions, requiring unique innovations in terms of sustainable development, as well as strategic investment plans. More recently, a green productivity paradigm alters our awareness of technological change and production functions. Despite the programs in place, the adoption and deployment of green technology face many hurdles. Such barriers are a result of weak state policy, the inappropriate market, a lack of understanding of the phenomenon, and a lack of proper financial resources. Technological advancement promotes human development and accelerates economic development.

Despite GT development’s relevance for economic and environmental sustainability, few studies identify and explore its strengths and weaknesses to analyze how GT implementation can lead to more progressive environmentally friendly economic development or highlight the importance of green technology, the adoption process, and efficient energy resources in transitioning enterprises. An emerging stream of studies in the literature on GT planning in the manufacturing industry addresses the importance of GT in China from the innovation perspective.

Further, much less is known about the cleaner production technology that supports strategic planning initiatives to achieve sustainable development goals. A recent line of inquiry has emphasized using a multicriteria decision-making approach to identify critical indicators for the effective implementation of GT. Despite this significant contribution in the literature, gaps remain in our understanding of identifying and assessing GT strategies for more strategic planning from a developing country perspective.

The scope of this Special Issue covers, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Measuring the impact of competitive pressures, market variability, and green technological obsolescence on sustainability;

Evaluating the environmental burden and increasing environmentally friendly production;
Developing the green technology development program to implement and comply with the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
Assessing green technology initiatives to achieve sustainable development;
Proposing indicators/methods suitable to define green technology and sustainable competitive advantage;
Evaluating green technology strategies for sustainable planning;
Novel forms of knowledge creation and increased green innovation;
Green technologies, a step toward improving a firm’s sustainability performance;
Green technology for green buildings and green transportation;
Production of new and renewable energy devices;
Other green technologies.

Dr. Muhammad Ikram
Dr. Marcos Ferasso
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

green technology
cleaner production
sustainable development
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
green innovation
circular economy
environmental sustainability
emission reduction
green transportation
sustainable investment
sustainability performance
novel business models
clean energy technologies
green economy
ISO 14001

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

32 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of Green Furniture Brands in the Marketing 4.0 Period: An Integrated MCDM Approach

by Tuğba Yeğin and Muhammad Ikram

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10644; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141710644 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3226

Abstract

This study aims to develop a framework that enables green marketing practices to regulate the performance evaluation criteria (GFBPC) of consumers and green furniture brands in the Marketing 4.0 period and to prioritize green furniture brands. The first stage was the literature review and decision-making group; it included GFBPC and the selection of three green furniture brands with the highest market value in Turkey. We then applied AHP to determine and prioritize benchmark weights, and TOPSIS to rank the performances of selected brands by GFBPC. We performed SA to test the accuracy of the findings. The results revealed that the Co-creation of Value and Pricing criteria have the highest value, and “Brand Y” is the best. Among the evaluation contributions of the study are a new understanding of green furniture performance criteria, and an integrated framework for new application methods for green marketing. With the Marketing 4.0 period, it is among the first of its kind to offer sustainable solutions to evaluate green marketing practices and increase the performance of green furniture brands in this regard. The results can help furniture industry stakeholders understand ways to compete in the green market and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 6876 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Driving Mechanism of Green Innovation in China

by Weisong Mi, Kaixu Zhao and Pei Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5121; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14095121 - 24 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1781

Abstract

Sustainable development has become a global consensus, and green innovation is the key to promoting transition to sustainable development. The study on green innovation contributes to develop and implement green innovation policies. This paper investigates the spatio-temporal characteristics and driving mechanism of green innovation 2009–2019 in China from the perspective of economic geography based on a variety of methods such as GIS tools and Geodetector, in two dimensions of green innovation power (GIP) and green innovation growth ability (GIGA). The findings show that (1) The GIP and GIGA in China continue to increase, with obvious decreasing gradient characteristics from eastern to central and western China, extreme polarization, and obvious spatial aggregation, and the high-value regions show a change from coastal and riverine distribution to coastal distribution, with Shandong and Yangtze River Delta as the centers of high-value regions. (2) The power of the 18 driving factors on green innovation varies widely across time, and the 7 factors such as green area in urban completed area and investment in urban environmental infrastructure facilities are super interaction factors. Besides, the 5 variables of innovation input, foreign connection, economic environment, market environment and environmental regulation have different driving forces on green innovation, suggesting that the driving mechanism has changed in different periods. (3) Core factors of GIP were identified as R&D intramural expenditure and R&D personnel equivalent; important factors were identified as 5 factors such as R&D intramural expenditure in high-tech industry and FDI. Core factors of GIGA were identified as R&D intramural expenditure and added value of financial industry; important factors were identified as 4 factors such as R&D intramural expenditure in high-tech industry and GDP. (4) The 31 provinces in China were classified into 4 types of policy areas by BCG model, and proper policy suggestions were put forward. The research methods and conclusions of this paper can provide reference for green innovation policy optimization in China and other countries under similar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Presumption of Green Electronic Appliances Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Personal Moral Norms

by Jianwen Zhang, Jacob Cherian, Yawar Abbas Sandhu, Jawad Abbas, Laura Mariana Cismas, Constantin Viorel Negrut and Lucia Negrut

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4572; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14084572 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3550

Abstract

This study focused on social and cognitive psychological factors that drive personal norms and consequent buying intentions towards green electric appliances. The study differentiates itself from other similar studies by examining the mediating role of consumer personal moral norms from the developing nation perspective. Following a cross-sectional study design, data were collected from 360 consumers in shopping malls using the purposive sampling technique and analyzed through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. It was found that personal moral norms are a significant positive predictor of consumer buying intentions. Moreover, injunctive norms, consideration of future consequences, and self-efficacy influenced directly and predicted personal consumer norms. We identified that these factors triggered the moral sentiments and individuals. Furthermore, these results support the mediating role of personal moral norms between injunctive social norms, consideration of future consequences, self-efficacy, and buying intentions, validating the concept that instigation of moral feeling among consumers supports the actualization of intentions to buy green electric products. This study’s results offer insights for green electric appliance researchers, marketers, and policymakers. Marketers can guide effective marketing strategies by focusing on moral, social, future consequences-oriented, and self-efficacy-related marketing communications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determining Factors Affecting Customer Intention to Use Rooftop Solar Photovoltaics in Indonesia

by Dafit Bagus Maha Bekti, Yogi Tri Prasetyo, Anak Agung Ngurah Perwira Redi, Arif S. Budiman, I Made Putra Loka Mandala, Angga Ranggana Putra, Satria Fadil Persada, Reny Nadlifatin and Michael Nayat Young

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 280; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010280 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3914

Abstract

Many developing countries on the equator, including Indonesia, have the potential for renewable and sustainable resources, such as solar energy. However, despite the enormous potential, the adoption level remains low. Previously, several studies discussed the potential, the feasibility, and the supporting policy of this technology, but none have been discussed from the customers’ perspective on a national scale. Therefore, this study attempts to determine the factors affecting the customers’ intention to use solar photovoltaics in Indonesia to develop a sustainable circular supply chain for renewable energy. This investigation was conducted based on integrating the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Furthermore, an online questionnaire was successfully distributed with a total of 208 participants. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to derive the causal relationships of the proposed hypotheses. The results indicated that price value (PV) has a positive relationship and a significant influence on attitude toward use (ATU), which leads to the behavioral intention (BI) to make the construct the most affecting factor. This is the first comprehensive study to analyze the intention to use rooftop solar panels based on the UTAUT2 and TPB framework. The successful approach to support photovoltaic use will bring less waste and strengthen the circular supply chain to support sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 4739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enabling Progress in Developing Economies: A Novel Hybrid Decision-Making Model for Green Technology Planning

by Muhammad Ikram, Robert Sroufe, Usama Awan and Nabila Abid

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 258; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010258 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6476

Abstract

Green technologies play an essential role in designing and developing sustainable and environmental strategies at a country level. With a growing emphasis on green technology strategies in strategic decision making, there is an opportunity for developing and implementing strategies to accelerate green technologies in developing economies. Therefore, this study develops an integrated strategic framework based on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) for effective green technology planning. The SWOT approach scans internal and external factors and sub-factors essential for green technology planning in Pakistan. Subsequently, the Grey Analytical Hierarchical Process (GAHP) method is employed to compute weights of twenty-one subfactors. Finally, Grey Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (GTOPSIS) is used to prioritize eighteen strategies developed for sustainable green technology planning. Results reveal that high productivity potential in the agriculture sector, less foreign investment due to terrorism and security issues, decreasing the cost of green technologies, and the opportunity to build a positive image are key sub-factors for strategic green technology planning. In contrast, improving the security situation in the country to attract foreign direct investment, fewer taxes and duties on import of green technology and lenient rules for local business in transition, and plans and programs to promote green technology in the agriculture sector are observed as optimal strategies. This study is the first to propose a systematic, integrated framework for sustainable green technology planning in Pakistan. Our study fills a gap in the strategic planning and implementation process and provides pathways for policymakers in addressing impediments when implementing green technology planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Green Technology Strategies for the Sustainable Development of Solar Power Projects: Evidence from Pakistan

by Shahid Ali, Qingyou Yan, Muhammad Sajjad Hussain, Muhammad Irfan, Munir Ahmad, Asif Razzaq, Vishal Dagar and Cem Işık

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 12997; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132312997 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 77 | Viewed by 5753

Abstract

Energy is the main element for a modern lifestyle that must be considered in economically reliable and sustainable development dialogues. The financial performance of solar power projects has become the main issue, especially in developing countries such as Pakistan, where it has gained the special attention of government and regulatory authorities. The present study evaluates green technology strategies for the sustainable development of solar power projects in Pakistan. We examine the moderating role of cost and riskiness of the methods between the nexus of capital budgeting techniques and the financial performance of solar power projects. The analysis is performed on data collected from 44 respondents (chief financial officers and chief executive officers) by accompanying an inclusive questionnaire survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to assess the formulated suppositions. The results reveal that green technology strategies positively impact the sustainable development of solar power projects. The profitability index is a good source of higher financial performance of the solar power projects. The results further demonstrate that the cost and riskiness of the methods significantly moderate the nexus of capital budgeting techniques and the financial performance of solar power projects. These findings provide a valuable manual for policymakers, government institutions, and regulators to select the appropriate green technology strategy to increase cleaner production and sustainable development of solar power projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

55 pages, 14903 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review of Power Take-Off Wave Energy Technology Leading to the Conceptual Design of a Novel Wave-Plus-Photon Energy Harvester for Island/Coastal Communities’ Energy Needs

by Kushal A. Prasad, Aneesh A. Chand, Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar, Sumesh Narayan and Kabir A. Mamun

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2354; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14042354 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4954

Abstract

As the global interest in renewable energy generation continues, the need to develop new and innovative solutions is being explored every day throughout the world by researchers and innovators. Hybrid renewable energy innovations are gaining progressive interest not only because of the threat of climate change but also due to the technological advancements seen in renewables. Ocean waves have immense potential as a renewable energy source, and related technologies have advanced continuously over the past few decades. In response, this paper extensively studies wave energy converters (WECs) based on the power take-off (PTO) technique, and presents a novel hybrid wave-plus-photon energy (HWPE) harvester called Wavevoltaics, based on wave and solar energy capture systems for coastal communities’ power needs, in line with decarbonization measures. The HWPE harvester uses a simple rack-and-pinion mechanism in combination with solar cell technology to convert the wave energy into usable electrical energy in a water column structural design. This novel HWPE device can be used to provide power for lighting and gadgets for coastal communities that rely heavily on fossil fuels for their lighting and electrical needs. Later in the paper, the challenges faced in hybrid wave energy development are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures