scholarly journals Measuring What Matters, Where It Matters: A Spatially Explicit Urban Environment and Social Inclusion Index for the Sustainable Development Goals

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Hsu ◽  
Tirthankar Chakraborty ◽  
Ryan Thomas ◽  
Diego Manya ◽  
Amy Weinfurter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Global Coverage

The Urban Environment and Social Inclusion Index (UESI) creates a new spatial framework to measure progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG-11). SDG-11 aims for cities to be both sustainable and inclusive by 2030 and conceptualizes this goal in spatially-explicit ways. Few data sources or indices, however, measure its progress in both a comprehensive (global coverage) and detailed (intra-city) manner. To address this gap, we use publicly-available datasets including detailed census data, satellite remote sensing, and crowdsourced data that provide global coverage and regular temporal resolution to develop spatially-explicit indicators to measure neighborhood-level environmental performance in 164 global cities. The UESI framework includes 10 indicators that assess air pollution, urban tree cover, public transit access, and urban heat at the neighborhood scale, and water stress and carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels at the city-level. We also present a new method for quantifying distributional equity to measure how evenly or unevenly cities are distributing environmental benefits and burdens across neighborhoods. We find that the majority of the UESI cities disproportionately burden lower-income communities with higher shares of environmental burdens and lower shares of environmental benefits. This finding holds true even in cities that perform highly on environmental indicators. In light of the challenging, rapidly evolving urban contexts, the UESI framework serves as a way of addressing some of the central challenges—data standardization, data gathering, and data localization—around the SDGs.

scholarly journals The potential environmental benefits of reusable and recyclable materials stocks in Toronto's single-detached housing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deniz N Ergun
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Material Volume ◽  
Material Reuse ◽  
The City ◽  
Common Barriers

This study examines the stocks of building materials in Toronto’s in-use and annual obsolete single detached housing, to provide potential environmental benefit parameters for city scale material reuse and recycling. The material volumes of five archetypes, developed to represent typical Toronto housing, were measured and extrapolated to the city scale. Applying established criteria for reusability and recyclability, city scale reusable and recyclable stocks were determined for three environmental indicators: material volume headed to landfill, carbon dioxide emissions, and primary energy consumption. It was determined that 61-66% of the material volume in Toronto’s in-use and annual obsolete housing could be reclaimed for reuse/recycling, and was mostly composed of masonry, concrete, and framing lumber from houses built from 1930-1960. Additionally, annual obsolete reusable materials represented an embodied carbon of 2,287-4,116 tonnes and energy of 52,883-95,189 GJ. By addressing common barriers to widespread uptake of reuse/recycling, Toronto could reap these determined potential environmental benefits.

scholarly journals The potential environmental benefits of reusable and recyclable materials stocks in Toronto's single-detached housing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deniz N Ergun
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Material Volume ◽  
Material Reuse ◽  
The City ◽  
Common Barriers

This study examines the stocks of building materials in Toronto’s in-use and annual obsolete single detached housing, to provide potential environmental benefit parameters for city scale material reuse and recycling. The material volumes of five archetypes, developed to represent typical Toronto housing, were measured and extrapolated to the city scale. Applying established criteria for reusability and recyclability, city scale reusable and recyclable stocks were determined for three environmental indicators: material volume headed to landfill, carbon dioxide emissions, and primary energy consumption. It was determined that 61-66% of the material volume in Toronto’s in-use and annual obsolete housing could be reclaimed for reuse/recycling, and was mostly composed of masonry, concrete, and framing lumber from houses built from 1930-1960. Additionally, annual obsolete reusable materials represented an embodied carbon of 2,287-4,116 tonnes and energy of 52,883-95,189 GJ. By addressing common barriers to widespread uptake of reuse/recycling, Toronto could reap these determined potential environmental benefits.

scholarly journals Urban environment and major challenges in sustainable development: Experience from Dhaka City in Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Ruhullah Siddiqy
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Financial Gain

Sustainable development is one of the most discussed and desired issues for the last few decades in Bangladesh and also throughout the world. But due to various challenges it is really tough to prepare and execute a proper plan for achieving sustainable development. The objective of this study is to find out the major challenges that the urban environment has been facing in sustainable development in Dhaka city. The qualitative study was done purposively and data collection methods were 10 Key Informants Interviews (KII) and 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). KII were conducted among university teachers and Government officials as well as FGDs were conducted among city duelers in Dhaka. Urbanization process providing reasonable housing and infrastructure for duelers of all financial gain categories is a nice challenge for capital of Bangladesh town. Lack of swamp, open places, public parks, land with tree cover up causes environmental degradation and also creates aesthetic discomfort is another challenge in urban areas. Surface water is becoming useless because of having extensive pumping of groundwater in capital of Bangladesh. City dwellers didn’t follow the environmental rules and pollutes the surface waters with freedom. Impenetrable population with quick urbanization, industrialization and the lack of land coming up with has created major environmental problem to establish sustainable development. In future we need to study on identify the implementation strategy to sustainable development of urban environment.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.7(1) 2017: 12-16

Challenges of the Crisis: How to Measure Sustainable Development?

2015 ◽  
pp. 147-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Bobylev ◽  
N. Zubarevich ◽  
S. Solovyeva
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
World Bank ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Calculation Methods ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Index ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Sustainable Development Indicators ◽  
Adjusted Net Savings

The article emphasizes the fact that traditional socio-economic indicators do not reflect the challenges of sustainable development adequately, and this is particularly true for the widely-used GDP indicator. In this connection the elaboration of sustainable development indicators is needed, taking into account economic, social and environmental factors. For Russia, adaptation and use of concepts and basic principles of calculation methods for adjusted net savings index (World Bank) and human development index (UNDP) as integral indicators can be promising. The authors have developed the sustainable development index for Russia, which aggregates and allows taking into account balanced economic, social and environmental indicators.

scholarly journals Multi-Criteria Selection of Additives in Porous Asphalt Mixtures Using Mechanical, Hydraulic, Economic, and Environmental Indicators

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2146
Author(s):  
Anik Gupta ◽  
Carlos J. Slebi-Acevedo ◽  
Esther Lizasoain-Arteaga ◽  
Jorge Rodriguez-Hernandez ◽  
Daniel Castro-Fresno
Keyword(s):  
Cellulose Fiber ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Asphalt Mixtures ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Modified Bitumen ◽  
Porous Asphalt ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Product Assessment ◽  
Polymer Modified Bitumen ◽  
Selection Of

Porous asphalt (PA) mixtures are more environmentally friendly but have lower durability than dense-graded mixtures. Additives can be incorporated into PA mixtures to enhance their mechanical strength; however, they may compromise the hydraulic characteristics, increase the total cost of pavement, and negatively affect the environment. In this paper, PA mixtures were produced with 5 different types of additives including 4 fibers and 1 filler. Their performances were compared with the reference mixtures containing virgin bitumen and polymer-modified bitumen. The performance of all mixes was assessed using: mechanical, hydraulic, economic, and environmental indicators. Then, the Delphi method was applied to compute the relative weights for the parameters in multi-criteria decision-making methods. Evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS), technique for order of the preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) were employed to rank the additives. According to the results obtained, aramid pulp displayed comparable and, for some parameters such as abrasion resistance, even better performance than polymer-modified bitumen, whereas cellulose fiber demonstrated the best performance regarding sustainability, due to economic and environmental benefits.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Energy Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions of Agricultural Residue Feedstock for Bioenergy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2009
Author(s):  
Valerii Havrysh ◽  
Antonina Kalinichenko ◽  
Anna Brzozowska ◽  
Jan Stebila
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Power Generation ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Residues ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Low Carbon Economy ◽  
Energy Inputs

The depletion of fossil fuels and climate change concerns are drivers for the development and expansion of bioenergy. Promoting biomass is vital to move civilization toward a low-carbon economy. To meet European Union targets, it is required to increase the use of agricultural residues (including straw) for power generation. Using agricultural residues without accounting for their energy consumed and carbon dioxide emissions distorts the energy and environmental balance, and their analysis is the purpose of this study. In this paper, a life cycle analysis method is applied. The allocation of carbon dioxide emissions and energy inputs in the crop production by allocating between a product (grain) and a byproduct (straw) is modeled. Selected crop yield and the residue-to-crop ratio impact on the above indicators are investigated. We reveal that straw formation can consume between 30% and 70% of the total energy inputs and, therefore, emits relative carbon dioxide emissions. For cereal crops, this energy can be up to 40% of the lower heating value of straw. Energy and environmental indicators of a straw return-to-field technology and straw power generation systems are examined.

scholarly journals Women in Adult Education Program for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Implications for Library and Information Services

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-32
Author(s):  
Ngozi Perpetua Osuchukwu ◽  
Ndidiamaka Lucy Nebolise
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Adult Education ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Nigerian Women ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Observation Methods ◽  
The Right

Abstract Objective – Education offers advances in human and social development. It provides knowledge and resources that hold the potential for economic empowerment, resulting in a better livelihood. Hence, women need access to education with library services, if they are to have a voice, participate in sustainable development, and take care of their own health, as well as that of their children and members of their households. This paper examines the challenges women encounter in Onitsha metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. This study seeks to gain insight into the resources used to enhance learning, as well as the students’ perceptions and satisfaction with their learning experience. Methods – A descriptive survey research design was used. The study was carried out in five adult education centres in the city with a sample size of 120 women, randomly selected for collection of data. Questionnaire, interview, and observation methods were employed. The physical assessment of the centres was done for an evidence based report and to assess the real situations of the centres. Results – The findings show the challenges faced by Nigerian women in their pursuit of ongoing adult education included: time for the classes which are usually held in the evening, poor financial status, lack of encouragement from spouses and relations, poor learning environments, and stress. The data were analyzed using percentages and frequency counts. They are presented in tables and figures. Conclusions – It is recommended that education and library management should assess these centres for program improvements like providing more enabling environments and learning facilities. The implication of the study is that library and information services should be extended to these women to stimulate and support learning with the right attitude for active involvement in the educational activities and for enhancement of social inclusion.

scholarly journals Application of AHP for the Weighting of Sustainable Development Indicators at the Subnational Level

Economies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Abraham Londoño-Pineda ◽  
Jose Alejandro Cano ◽  
Rodrigo Gómez-Montoya
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Weighting Method ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Composite Indices ◽  
Higher Weights ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Education Indicators ◽  
Hierarchy Process

This article presents an indicator weighting method for constructing composite indices to assess sustainable development at the subnational level. The study uses an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), which is considered relevant, since it establishes links between the indicators that make up the different sustainable development goals (SDG). For this purpose, 28 indicators defined by experts constitute the base to evaluate the progress towards sustainable development of the Aburrá Valley region, located in Antioquia, Colombia. The results show that health, employment, and education indicators obtained higher weights, while environmental indicators received the most reduced weights. Likewise, the model proves to be consistent using a consistency ratio, which generates the possibility of replicating this model at different subnational levels.

scholarly journals The Potential of Using Renewable Energy Sources in Poland Taking into Account the Economic and Ecological Conditions

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7525
Author(s):  
Mariusz Niekurzak
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Technical Specification ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Renewable Sources ◽  
Starting Point

The aim of the manuscript was to present the collective results of research on the profitability of using various renewable sources in Poland with the greatest development potential. In the paper, the economic parameters of various investment projects were determined and calculated, i.e., Net Capital Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and the Period of Return on Invested Capital (PBT). The economic assessment of the use of RES technologies was supplemented with the assessment of environmental benefits. The ecological criterion adopted in the study was the assessment of the potential and costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a result of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy technologies. On the basis of the constructed economic model to assess the profitability of investments, it has been shown that the analyzed projects will start to bring, depending on their type and technical specification, measurable economic benefits in the form of a reduction in the amount of energy purchased on an annual basis and environmental benefits in the form of reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Moreover, the calculations show a high potential for the use of certain renewable sources in Poland, which contributes to the fulfillment of energy and emission obligations towards the EU. The analyzes and research of the Polish energy market with the use of the presented models have shown that the project is fully economically justified and will allow investors to make a rational decision on the appropriate selection of a specific renewable energy source for their investment. The presented economic models to assess the profitability of investments in renewable energy sources can be successfully used in other countries and can also be a starting point for a discussion about the direction of energy development. Due to the lack of collective, original and up-to-date research on the domestic market, the manuscript provides the reader with the necessary knowledge regarding the legitimacy of using renewable energy sources, investment and environmental profitability.

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