Sustainability Commons^™

A Path To Creating Global Citizens: Education For Sustainable Development In Small Liberal Arts Colleges, Shari Bissoondatt (Boochay), Timea Varga, Antonella Regueiro, Amy An

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a critical role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) by preparing students to address complex social, environmental, and economic challenges. In the literature, less attention has been paid to scalable curricular models implemented in small liberal arts colleges. This paper presents a case study of Lynn University’s Impact Series, an interdisciplinary and co-curricular initiative, intentionally integrated into the undergraduate curriculum to advance Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Drawing on institutional reports, program documentation, and attendance data from Fall 2022 through Spring 2025, the study examines how the Impact Series promotes short-term …

Mining And Sustainable Development In Sierra Leone: The Role Of Institutional Quality, Ibrahim Massaquoi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

While mining can drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote infrastructural development, it also poses risks to the environment, human health, and social well-being. Therefore, to achieve sustainable development, responsible mining is crucial. This study empirically examines the role of institutional quality in the mining-sustainable development nexus in Sierra Leone. With the use of the planetary pressures-adjusted human development index (PHDI) as a comprehensive measure of sustainable development, the study is able to integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model confirms the existence of both short-run and long-run dynamics. The results of the study show …

A Review Of Full-Lifecycle Management Practices For Blue Mining Centered On Sustainable Development And Resource Efficiency, Hou Zhengmeng, Zhang Shengyou, Chen Qianjun, Sun Wei, Zhang Tian, Cai Nan, Huang Liangchao, Wang Qichen, Shi Tianle, Xu Xiaochuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Against the backdrop of China’s goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, along with the growing demand for critical minerals, this study presents a systematic review of domestic and international literature and engineering cases. Based on the Blue Mining concept proposed by Langefeld’s team of the Clausthal University of Technology and from the perspective of planning forward, this study organizes key technologies, treatment pathways, and essentials of full-lifecycle management used to transition mines from single-purpose stopes to multifunctional infrastructures. Centered on four guiding principles, i.e., energy, ergonomics, water resources, and circularity, this study reviews the synergetic planning process …

The Prospect Of F.E.W. Resources: How Food, Energy, And Waste Management Workforce Programs Address Global Equity And Sustainability, Quincy P. Biddle

Student Theses 2015-Present

As a global society, the issues affecting a specific city or country are no longer isolated; instead, they impact other places in myriad ways. Over the past few decades, environmental degradation and economic inequality, both within and between countries, have caused shortages of necessities like food and water, inadequate access to safe energy sources, and increased pollution, impacting people’s prosperity and the well-being of the planet. It is of global interest to remediate these issues for the betterment and progress of society, and thus, an approach to addressing these complications collectively and comprehensively is of utmost importance. This paper investigates …

Facilitating The Move Towards A Wellbeing Economy Through Supporting Infrastructure: A Review Of Frontrunner Countries, Henry Bartelet, Vincent De Gooyert

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

As more governments seek to shift beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as the dominant measure of progress, the concept of a “wellbeing economy” has gained traction. This approach prioritizes human and environmental wellbeing through broader, more holistic policy frameworks. A central question in this transition is what the implications of shifts to a wellbeing economy are for infrastructure investments. In this study, we identify four frontrunner governments, Bhutan, Scotland, New Zealand, and Wales, that have formally adopted wellbeing economy principles. We analyse how each operationalizes the concept and assess the resulting implications for infrastructure planning and investment. Despite shared goals, …

Toward Sustainable Human Well-Being: A Multidimensional Assessment In Colorado, Uma Umut Baysal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Evaluating progress in human well-being is essential for guiding effective policy and promoting sustainable development. Traditional approaches often emphasize economic and social dimensions while overlooking ecological indicators critical to long-term sustainability. This research addresses that gap by proposing a layered, scalable local framework for county-level analysis and bottom-up decision-making, integrating multiple objective indicators to assess and compare well-being outcomes across regions.

The first goal of this dissertation is to measure human well-being in Colorado counties by developing a Human Well-Being Index (HWBI). This index combines a newly developed Built Environment Index (BEI) comprising five sub-indices: accessibility, housing affordability, transportation, …

Optimization For Qinghai-Xizang Plateau Ecological Security Barrier System, Bojie Fu, Yanxu Liu, Wenwu Zhao, Xiaoming Feng, Shiliang Liu, Chiyuan Miao, Xuhui Wang, Chunyang He, Changjia Li, Aizhong Ye, Zhongmin Hu, Zhifeng Liu, Dingyang Zhou

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The ecological security barrier system is a composite system to maintain ecological security and sustainable development within and outside the region. This system enables the maintenance of the structure and function of the ecosystem in the ecological security barrier region relatively shielded from or minimally impacted by external environmental threats, so that forms a multilevel and orderly stable pattern. Over the period from 2000 to 2020, the ecosystem water conservation function was on the rise, and the soil conservation function, net ecosystem productivity, and habitat quality were generally stable in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Comparing the previous three national parks and …

Urban Sustainability: The Singapore Experience, Chuan Seng Lee

Asian Management Insights

The importance of green buildings, the circular economy, and zero waste.
Lee Chuan Seng, Chairman of the National Environment Agency (NEA) and founding President of the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), shares insights on urban sustainability. He emphasizes the significance of green buildings, the circular economy, and achieving zero waste. Lee also discusses strategies to promote the reduction and reuse of materials in the built environment, contributing to Singapore's leadership in sustainable urban development.

Building A Community Of All Life On Earth: Man And The Biosphere Programme Bridging China And The World, Hongping He

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) launched by UNESCO has achieved remarkable accomplishments over more than half a century in the aspects of biodiversity conservation, interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, knowledge sharing, international cooperation, etc. China, as an active participant to MAB, is productive in the development of national network, nomination and periodic review of biosphere reserves, international cooperation, and so on, thus contributing to global environmental governance and building of a community of all life on Earth. To enable MAB to more effectively address global common environmental challenges and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it is recommended …

Mutual Empowerment And Synergies For Enhanced Outcomes: Pioneering A New Paradigm For Biodiversity Conservation—Significance Of Man And The Biosphere Programme For China And The World, Baotong Dong

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The core of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) lies in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. This study discusses the significance of MAB for the management of protected areas and biodiversity conservation in China and globally, evaluates the valuable insights that MAB provides for China’s biodiversity conservation efforts, examines the supporting role of China’s conservation practices in implementing MAB methodology, and offers perspectives on future pathways to strengthen global biodiversity conservation.

Practical Experience And Achievements In Sustainable Development Of World Network Of Biosphere Reserves, Weihua Xu, Zuchen Ma, Günter Köck, Wenlu Chen, Zhiyun Ouyang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As the core of the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere Programme” (MAB), the World Network of Biosphere Reserves holds irreplaceable strategic value in harmonizing ecological conservation with regional sustainable development. Based on the four strategic objectives outlined in the Strategy for the Man and the Biosphere Programme (2015–2025), this study systematically analyzes the innovative practices across representative global reserves, revealing critical pathways and implementation outcomes for the sustainable development of biosphere reserves. The research demonstrates that the scientific conservation measures—including the establishment of biodiversity monitoring systems, systematic habitat restoration, and the development of genetic resource conservation networks—have significantly enhanced biodiversity …

Scientific Research Supports Biosphere’S Conservation —Case Study Of Dinghushan World Biosphere Reserve, Hanping Xia, Juxiu Liu, Xiankai Lu, Hai Ren

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Based on a brief review of the Dinghushan National Nature Reserve/Dinghushan World Biosphere Reserve, this study comprehensively reviews its scientific research progress in the past 70 years, including three stages: early ecological investigation and biodiversity monitoring; mid-term research on ecosystem structure, function, and dynamics; and recent comprehensive studies. The study also analyzes the role of scientific research in supporting biodiversity conservation, local community sustainable development, and mitigation and adaptation to global climate change in the reserve. Finally, five inspirations and suggestions are proposed to support biosphere conservation through scientific research: (1) research-based conservation has strong vitality; (2) enhancing the level …

Integrating Protection And Development Issues Through Expansion: A Case Study Of Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng World Biosphere Reserve, Wei Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

In September 2025, the Fifth UNESCO World Congress of Biosphere Reserves will be held in Hangzhou, China. The delegates will engage in detailed discussions on key issues, including the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, as well as balanced conservation and development. This congress will also develop a strategic and action plan for the next phase of the world biosphere reserves. The Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng World Biosphere Reserve represents China’s first successful application for world biosphere reserve achieved through an expansion process. Here, this study first elucidates the value and significance of expanding world biosphere reserves. Subsequently, drawing on the practical experience …

Aesthetics Of Life’S Continuity: Local Experiences And Chinese Wisdom In Sustainable Development Of Maolan Biosphere Reserve, Ying Zhang, Jingcheng Ran, Dengli Yu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) emphasizes that biosphere reserves should serve as “learning sites for sustainable development”. Ecological conservation should not be separated from human life, but instead be integrated with community development, cultural continuity, and educational advancement. Guided by this principle, the Maolan Biosphere Reserve in Guizhou has grounded its efforts in the traditional ecological culture of its multi-ethnic local communities. It transforms ecological ethics and aesthetic experiences into shared ecological values and innovative governance mechanisms, thereby forging a path of ecological civilization that integrates nature conservation, cultural identity, and livelihood improvement.

Towards 5th World Congress Of Biosphere Reserves: Opportunities And Recommended Actions For China, Yijie Xian, Qiang Fang, Ning Liu, Xiangjun Chen, Yan Zhuang, Ding Wang, Qunli Han

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The holding of important international conferences in science and technology can generally bring multiple benefits for the host countries, such as developing strategy in the area of international cooperation. One example comes from the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves due to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 22–27, 2025. This study summarizes the history of previous congresses and the system of Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) in which the congresses are located. Significance of the 5th Congress can be found as increasing the global engagement and international influence of MAB, and advancing the achievement of the United …

Wild Seahorse Conservation And Industrial Growth Strategies: A Dual-Perspective Study, Shicheng Wang, Bo Li, Lanliang Yu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) prioritizes healthy oceans and sustainable development. Protecting marine biodiversity, promoting sustainable fisheries, and achieving global sustainability goals are critical concerns for the international community. This study addresses critical challenges in seahorse conservation and industrial development, including wild resource depletion, limitations in aquaculture technology, low-value industrial chains, and inadequate regulatory coordination. Through systematic analysis of current conservation status and industrial trends, establishing demonstration bases is proposed for seahorse resource protection and high-value utilization ("Hippocampus Hub"), guided by natural habitat integrity, scientific research capacity, industrial chain integration, and policy support. By …

A Quick And Cost-Effective Method For Monitoring Deforestation Of Oil Sands Mining Activities Using Synthetic Aperture Radar And Multispectral Real-Time Satellite Data From Sentinel-1 And Sentinel-2., J Garcia Del Real, M. Alcaraz

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Alberta’s oil sands mining operations rank among the largest human-made structures globally. Monitoring through the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Multispectral satellite imaging is an indispensable strategy in attaining sustainable development and mitigating deforestation in the third-largest verified oil reserves worldwide. This paper introduces a novel approach for cost-effective and reliable monitoring of deforestation caused by oil sands mining, avoiding cumbersome methods. It focuses on observing forest/non-forest areas affected by Suncor Energy Company’s mining assets in Alberta, using a combination of SAR and Multispectral satellite remote sensing. Radar images from Sentinel-1B and Multispectral images from Sentinel-2A were analyzed …

Strengthen Research On Environmental Control Technologies And Management Policies For Emerging Contaminants In China, Ying Ma, Xiang Li, Yongming Luo

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The prevention and management of emerging contaminants (ECs) have become critical measures in China’s battle against environmental pollution. This study focuses on the environmental control technologies and policy governance related to emerging contaminants (ECs), analyzing their environmental pathways and challenges to public health, and highlighting advancements and limitations in current physical, chemical, and biological control technologies. Based on a comprehensive analysis of international policies and regulations on ECs control, the study identifies existing challenges and shortcomings in domestic management. Recommendations are proposed to enhance research on environmental control technologies and policies for ECs in China, aiming to provide insights for …

Redesign And De Novo Design Of Circular Blue Bioindustry, Wei Zhang, Shufeng Zhang, Hantao Zhou, Minhan Dai

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The future marine bioindustry, which features advanced green intelligent biomanufacturing and high-value marine bioproducts, is a strategically emerging marine industry. This study proposes a new industrial development model for the circular blue bioindustry, founded on simultaneously optimizing the sustainable utilization of marine bioresources and protecting the ecological environment. Through in-depth analysis of the current situation, challenges, and potential development opportunities of the global and Chinese marine bioindustries underpinning sustainable development, theoretical framework, approaches and implementation pathways have been established to redesign the existing marine bioindustry and de novo design of the emerging marine bioindustry. Future key development priorities are suggested …

Explaining Students’ Attitudes Towards A Sustainable Future: Evidence From Sea-Plm 2019 Data, Syeda Kashfee Ahmed, Petra Lietz

Global education monitoring

This report, published by the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Centre, discusses how students’ attitudes towards global issues are now crucial more than ever to build a sustainable world for future generations. The first section describes why students’ attitudes towards school and learning are important and how they are linked to the Educational Prosperity Framework (Willms & Tramonte, 2015). The second section highlights the literature about the key factors which can influence students’ attitudes towards school and learning and how they are related to students’ attitudes towards sustainable development. The third section discusses the methods used for analysing the relationships between …

Current Vehicle Fleet Inventory And Future Implementation Of A Centralized Electric Fleet At Portland State University, Dane Kovaleski

Environmental Science and Management Professional Master's Project Reports

As the effects of climate change continue to impact the world, many institutions have developed climate action goals to reduce their effects on the environment. Portland State University (PSU) has committed to an 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. A part of this commitment must include looking at the contributions of transportation on campus to reduce carbon emissions. According to a greenhouse gas emissions report done by the Campus Planning and Sustainability Office in 2016, transportation contributed to 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions on campus.

This project aims to evaluate the management …

Evaluating The Impacts Of The Transition From Open-Pit To Underground Mining On Sustainable Development Indexes, Naser Badakhshan, Kourosh Shahriar, Sajjad Afraei, Ezzeddin Bakhtavar

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Sustainable development is about creating a balance between development and environment, and it consists of three essential principles: environment, society, and economy. Today, one of the most important challenges in deep open pit mines is the transition from open pit to underground, which has positive and negative impacts on sustainable development indexes. In order to reduce these adverse impacts, the impact of various parts of the transition operation on these indexes should be evaluated and corrective and preventive measures should be implemented. In this study, using a hybrid semi-quantitative approach, the effects of the transition in the Songun copper mine …

Animal Welfare - Environment - Sustainable Development Nexus: Scoping Study, Janice H. Cox

Nexus – UNEP – Animal Welfare, Environment, Sustainable Development

A detailed report on the links between animal welfare, environmental health and global sustainability. Issues discussed include climate change, biodiversity, pollution and waste management, one health, sustainable development and just transitions.

Net Zero Roadmap For Copper And Nickel, Columbia Center On Sustainable Investment, Carbon Trust, Rmi, Payne Institute For Public Policy

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

As we seek to meet the challenges of climate change impacts, many commodities will play an increasing role in decarbonizing economies. There are increasing challenges of addressing the emissions from extraction of these commodities needed to support the zero-carbon transition.

CCSI, in a consortium with Carbon Trust, RMI, and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines, developed the Net Zero Roadmap to 2050 for Copper and Nickel Value Chains to support the copper and nickel mining sectors in taking collective, coordinated action by providing a clear, approachable, and accepted roadmap for decarbonization.

Our key messages …

Navigating Opportunities To Improve Youth Outcomes In A Least Developed Country: An Action Research Study, Naomi Docilait

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The ambitious United Nations-adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require the concentrated effort of governments, the business sector, and other key stakeholders, including women and youth, for its success. Effective leadership will be essential for different sectors to integrate these development goals into strategic plans and operational activities in the service of realizing this agenda by 2030. Unfortunately for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the COVID-19 pandemic caused the worst economic outcomes in 30 years. For this group of countries, the pandemic has negatively influenced efforts to eradicate poverty and improve social outcomes. This setback makes achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by …

Enlightenment Of Biosphere Reserve To Establishment And Management Of National Park In China, Jinhong Du, Ning Liu, Yijie Xian, Ding Wang, Wei Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

China has officially established the first batch of national parks in 2021 and such construction is entering a high-speed stage. National parks of the country basically originate from existed protected areas, and face series of long-standing problems and challenges, such as over simplified administration, low community participation, and prominent contradictions between ecological conservation and social development. The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is the first flagship project of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for biodiversity and cultural diversity conservation, biosphere reserve is its implementation platform, which has accumulated a lot of useful experience in biodiversity conservation, …

International Strategy Of Man And The Biosphere Programme Of Germany And Its Implications To China, Yijie Xian, Yan Zhuang, Qunli Han, Ding Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Since mid-1990s, Germany has developed the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) together with its biosphere reserves into a pathway of enhancing the nation's role in global governance. Measures took by Germany include:clarifying the national position in the globalization of German MAB, including putting more emphasis on partnership development, highlighting the effectiveness of development assistance, and ensuring the clearance and feasibility of action plan; collecting resources from foreign affairs, finance, intellectual, technology, etc., by multi-federal sector collaborative mechanism, to support the development of biosphere reserves of other countries; thinking globally and taking priority over Africa region. The example indicated …

Evaluation Of Resources And Environment Carrying Capacity Of Xilinhot Mining Area Based On Multi-Source Data, Sun Jundong, Song Renzhong, Li Feiyue, She Changchao, Guo Tianyu, Li Jun, Zhang Chengye

Coal Geology & Exploration

The mining and depletion of coal resources have a certain degree of impact on the environment and population of the coal mining area. Confronted with the resources and environment problems, China strongly advocates the construction of green mines, requiring that mine exploitation must be within resources and environment carrying capacity. With the support of multi-source data (Landsat 8, GF-2, etc.) and socio-economic statistics data, Analytic Hierarchy Process was used to construct an index system for evaluating resources and environment carrying capacity of the mining area in Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia from two aspects of the carrying background and the carrying statu. …

Evaluation Of Sustainability Determinants To Develop A Sustainability Rating System For California Infrastructure Construction Projects, Joseph Kim, Patricia Mccarthy

Mineta Transportation Institute

This study evaluates the important sustainability determinants that affect factors’ success in meeting their sustainability goals when conducting infrastructure construction projects in California. The study implemented the online survey method to evaluate the sustainability characteristics that infrastructure industry professionals currently are aware of under the current situation in California. A data set of 25 validated survey responses is used for statistical data analysis using analysis of variables, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and two sample t-tests. The analysis results showed that the median response values for the six major sustainability categories do not show any significant difference. The results also showed that no …

Beyond The Green Iron Cage: Exploring The Macro And Micro-Level Influences On Executive Decisions About Sustainability Investments In Small And Medium Size Firms, Igor Estraykh

Theses and Dissertations

Although research on corporate environmental sustainability has shed light on different aspects of organizational and individual level factors that influence corporate decisions, it does not fully account for how individual executives within firms react to these forces and make decisions, specifically within small to medium size enterprises (SMEs). This study used a grounded theory approach to interview 19 SME executives from 13 different industries to explore how organizational and individual level factors influence their ability to evaluate and make decisions related to sustainability initiatives. The study found that SME executives faced isomorphic pressures for sustainability, individual agency pressures, significant resource …