Environmental Science & Sustainable Development

Sustainability, Development, and Financial Performance of Banks in the United Kingdom

2025-12-31T15:29:04+00:00

Sustainable development, driven by responsibility toward the planet and society, has become a central focus across sectors. In response, the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework has emerged as a key approach to evaluating corporate sustainability performance. While extensive literature explores ESG's broader implications, limited research has specifically addressed its impact on the financial performance of the banking sector in the United Kingdom. This study investigates the relationship between ESG performance and the financial outcomes of UK-listed banks included in the FTSE 100 Index. ESG scores are used as the independent variable, with financial performance measured through accounting-based indicators—Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE), and the market-based measure of market value. Using panel data from 2017 to 2022, the results show that ESG performance has a significant positive impact on ROA, a significant negative impact on ROE, and an insignificant negative effect on market value. These findings offer practical insights for UK banking managers and policymakers in balancing ESG initiatives with financial goals, particularly in optimizing ESG strategies that align with profitability and shareholder value.

Evaluation of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells using Rutile-Mesoporous-SiO2@TiO2/CQDs as Scattering Layer

2025-12-31T15:28:18+00:00

Global warming is one of the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered significant attention as an eco-friendly alternative for energy generation, as they produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Achieving a breakthrough in DSSC efficiency is crucial for overcoming the performance ceiling of conventional photoanodes. This work presents a highly scalable and simple light-harvesting strategy that significantly advances the state of the art in TiO₂-based composite architectures. In this study, we investigated the impact of incorporating Rutile-Mesoporous-SiO₂@TiO₂/carbon quantum dots (CQDs) particles into the scattering layer of DSSCs. The synthesized particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Their performance as a component of DSSCs was also evaluated in terms of power conversion efficiency. SEM analysis revealed that the addition of CQDs induced distinct surface irregularities, which were not observed in the undoped samples. UV–Vis measurements demonstrated that Rutile-MP-SiO₂@TiO₂/CQDs particles exhibited higher reflectance in the 380–780 nm range compared to their CQD-free counterparts. Furthermore, the proposed Rutile-MP-SiO₂@TiO₂/CQDs scattering layer markedly enhanced light scattering, yielding a 32.77% higher power density than cells with Anatase-MP-SiO₂@TiO₂. This simple and effective strategy overcomes conventional limitations and enables high-performance DSSCs.

Performance enhancement of microbial fuel cells through g-C₃N₄-embedded biochar anodes

2025-12-31T15:28:10+00:00

Global demand for sustainable energy technologies capable of simultaneously generating electricity and treating wastewater has intensified interest in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, their practical application remains limited by low power density and insufficient electron‐transfer efficiency at the anode. This study addresses this challenge by embedding graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), a metal-free and environmentally benign material, into rice-husk-derived biochar to develop a low-cost, sustainable anode. Unlike conventional surface-coated electrodes, the embedded configuration enhances internal electron-transfer pathways and promotes microbial colonization throughout the electrode matrix. Anodes with 5, 10, and 12 wt% g-C₃N₄ were evaluated to clarify how nitrogen-rich functional groups and carbon conductivity interact to influence MFC performance. The 5 wt% anode exhibited the most favorable electrochemical behavior, achieving a maximum power density of 43.245 μW/cm²—approximately 1.9 times higher than the unmodified anode—highlighting the effectiveness of moderate nitrogen incorporation. Excessive loading reduced performance due to impaired conductivity. These findings provide new insight into the design of sustainable, biomass-derived anode materials and demonstrate the potential of g-C₃N₄-embedded biochar for scalable, environmentally friendly MFC applications. This work contributes to the global scientific effort toward low-cost, renewable energy systems for wastewater treatment and decentralized power generation.

Sustainable plant nutrients generated from symbiotic waste treatment for safe application in food crop production

2025-12-31T15:28:41+00:00

Adequate soil nutrients are necessary for plant growth and health. Nitrogen sources from synthetic ammonia production have a high energy requirement, with implications for global warming. Innovative ways of producing nitrogen, such as crop nutrients from municipal organic waste, have significance on materials circularity and the achievement of a number of sustainable development goals. The feasibility of transforming potentially hazardous waste into plant nutrients is explored. The physiological response of tomato crops cultivated with the as-produced nitrogen source in a completely randomized design pilot field trial to evaluate the quality and health risk associated with the recycling of potentially hazardous waste into nutrient sources for food cultivation is reported. The recycled solid nutrient source can support the cultivation of tomatoes with plant physiological responses comparable to the same nitrogen levels application of artificial fertilizer. The risk associated with heavy metals and pathogen contamination of food is also limited.

Topology Optimization of Horizontal Links in Multi-story Eccentric Braced Frames

2025-12-31T15:28:56+00:00

In recent years, the adoption of additive manufacturing has become important, primarily driven by an imperative to minimize material usage and mitigate environmental impacts associated with climate change. The integration of topology optimization and additive manufacturing techniques has paved the way for the fabrication of complex geometries that are both cost-effective and material efficient, enabling structures that would be challenging to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. Concurrently, the application of eccentric braced frames with link elements has seen a notable increase, attributed to their enhanced seismic resistance capabilities compared to concentric braced frames. This study integrates topology optimization and AM to design optimized shear links for EBFs that outperform standard HEB European sections. Finite Element Models were developed in Abaqus to simulate both monotonic and cyclic loading scenarios. Pushover and cyclic analyses were performed on single-, two-, and three-story frames to assess the performance of the optimized links. Through pushover analysis, the results show that employing optimized HEB sections leads to a significant reduction in steel volume while simultaneously enhancing both the yielding and ultimate strength of the structure, with some multi-story frames demonstrating a twofold increase in performance over standard designs. Moreover, cyclic performance analysis of models with optimized links underscores a notable increase in the base shear ultimate force with marked improvement in the effective stiffness compared to models with standard sections. However, this was accompanied by a reduction in energy dissipation and the viscous damping coefficient.

Numerical Analysis of Upcycled Iron Ore Tailings in Ballast Columns for Hydrocarbon Storage Tanks

2025-12-31T15:28:25+00:00

The upcycling of iron ore tailings (IOT) as an alternative material for ballast columns presents a sustainable and cost-effective solution for ground improvement. This study investigates the performance of limestone-based and shale-based IOT ballast columns in controlling vertical displacement and reducing the settlement of hydrocarbon storage tanks. A numerical analysis was conducted to compare their effectiveness against conventional ballast columns under a 67 m diameter tank, subjected to an operational pressure of 184 kPa. The results indicate that limestone-based IOT columns reduced maximum settlement to 128.94 × 10⁻³ m, representing a 55.6% decrease compared with conventional ballast columns (290.51 × 10⁻³ m), and a 59.7% reduction relative to shale-based IOT columns (319.47 × 10⁻³ m). This improvement highlights the enhanced mechanical behaviour of limestone-based IOT, making it a promising alternative for geotechnical applications. The findings confirm that IoT-based ballast columns, particularly those using limestone, can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials while contributing to sustainable waste management. By upcycling mining waste, this approach not only improves ground stability but also minimises the environmental impact of tailings disposal. These results encourage further research into the optimisation of IOT mixtures and their application in large-scale construction projects. The use of IOT in geotechnical engineering aligns with global efforts to promote sustainability in infrastructure development.

Gated but Connected? Evaluating Accessibility, Permeability and Connectivity in Italian City 1, Erbil

2025-12-31T15:28:33+00:00

Urban planning plays a vital role in ensuring inclusive, sustainable, and livable cities. This study evaluates three critical indicators of sustainable urban form—accessibility, permeability, and connectivity—using Italian City 1 in Erbil, Iraq, as a case study. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied, combining infrastructure assessments with resident and visitor surveys. Two indices were developed: the Infrastructure Accessibility Index (IAI), based on field audits of sidewalks, bikeways, crosswalks, and public transport stops; and the Opportunity Accessibility Index (OAI), based on user-reported access to essential services. Both indices were tested using descriptive and inferential analyses to examine accessibility levels across subgroups. Findings indicate that Italian City 1 demonstrates satisfactory accessibility to local services but uneven infrastructure quality, particularly for crosswalks and public transport. Sidewalks performed better, while permeability was hindered by gated typology and limited pedestrian-only routes. Connectivity was relatively strong internally but car-dominated externally. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in accessibility perceptions between younger and older participants. Although Italian City 1 demonstrates moderate walkability and service proximity, deficiencies in inclusive infrastructure and multimodal transport reduce sustainability and equity. Enhancing sidewalks, crosswalks, and disability access, alongside developing multimodal connectivity, are critical for future planning.

Impact of Garden Greening on the Outdoor Thermal Environment of Buildings - a Case Study of Japanese Residential Houses

2026-01-28T04:50:40+00:00

Garden greening not only enhances the aesthetic value of residential buildings but also plays a critical role in improving microclimates and regulating the outdoor thermal environment. In Japan, incorporating garden greenery has become a prevalent feature of residential architecture. However, limited empirical research exists that systematically compares how different types of vegetation influence outdoor thermal conditions in Japanese residential gardens. This study addresses that gap by examining the impact of varying greening configurations on air temperature and relative humidity. Field measurements were conducted during both summer and winter in two traditional residential gardens located in Kitakyushu, southern Japan, using four monitoring points representing different greening structures. Results revealed that air temperature and relative humidity showed consistent patterns across seasons, with Measurement Point A (combining herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees) yielding the lowest average temperature and highest humidity, while Point D (no greening) exhibited the highest temperature and lowest humidity. The findings confirm that vegetation type significantly affects the microclimate. Notably, while vegetation improves outdoor comfort in summer by reducing heat stress, it may worsen thermal comfort in winter by retaining humidity and lowering temperature. This study provides evidence-based insights into the dual seasonal effects of garden greening, offering valuable guidance for sustainable residential garden design in Japan’s urban context.

Integrated TLS-UAV Surveying for Risk-Aware Conservation at the Jupiter Temple in Baalbek Castle: Policy Application and Evidence for Resilience

2025-12-31T15:28:49+00:00

Information about cultural heritage resources is archived and documented through data collection, including measuring results. The capacity of these measures to represent all the object's primary and secondary characteristics accounts for their efficacy. This article investigates the combination of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and photogrammetric surveys utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the three-dimensional modeling of the Baalbek temple complex, a globally significant cultural heritage site. However, due to their relatively recent introduction into geodetic practice, and especially useful for fixing monuments. There are many questions about the use of this technology for fixing monuments. They basically come down to making sure that accuracy standards are met. To ensure the accuracy of survey points and, more generally, laser scanning and aerial photography, this article uses the geodetic method. Simultaneously, the least-squares approach was used to create the reference network and estimate its accuracy. The accuracy of several supporting network designs was simulated, and the outcomes were compared with real data (Novel, 2015). This study emphasizes the crucial role of current geospatial technologies in conserving architectural and cultural integrity while addressing urbanization pressures and environmental threats, so directly complementing SDG 11.4 on safeguarding cultural heritage and SDG 13.1 on resilience to hazards. (United Nations, 2015).