Social sustainability Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, has undergone rapid economic growth and urbanization over the past 20 years. In contrast with developed countries, where sustainable development has been implemented on a neighborhood scale,... more

Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, has undergone rapid economic growth and urbanization over the past 20 years. In contrast with developed countries, where sustainable development has been implemented on a neighborhood scale, sustainable planning research has still been concentrated at the national level and less on the neighborhood level in the State of Qatar. Achieving the development of healthy cities without green and sustainable neighborhoods within them is challenging. The dynamism, livability and diversity of cities rely upon the cohesion of its neighborhoods as they make up the urban fabric from which enduring settlements are formed. Moreover, walkability and connectivity have been identified as two of the central aspects for enhancing neighborhood livability. However, the introduction of the car has transformed traditional pedestrianized street patterns into a car-dominant street network, with traditional walking Souqs replaced by destination-based strip-shopping. This study aims to examine the extent to which the heritage neighborhood site of the Souq Waqif in Doha is livable and what further implementations can be employed to increase its social sustainability (livability).

In this chapter, we investigate how the ideas of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) can strengthen the social and cultural aspects of the circular economy (CE) in an urban context. Cities are essential to the CE transition as over... more

In this chapter, we investigate how the ideas of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) can strengthen the social and cultural aspects of the circular economy (CE) in an urban context. Cities are essential to the CE transition as over 50% of the world population lives in urban areas, and 60-80% of natural resources are consumed in cities. We analyze the various notions of SSE and their potential links with CE via a theoretical literature review and conduct a comparative case analysis focused on CE-and SSE-driven urban development projects in Finland, Uruguay, and Spain. As a provisional result, we specify SSE ideas that contribute to the vision for urban circularity and can enrich the social and cultural sustainability of CE. We conclude that careful work is needed to put these two distinct approaches into a dialogue in relevant ways.

The focus of this thesis is on whether or not it is possible to decouple economic growth from the physical growth of the economy and its associated negative environmental pressures and pollution. The thesis demonstrates that it is... more

This article offers a conceptual contribution to the development of sustainability accounting. Sustainability accounting is the contribution of accounting to sustainable development. Sustainability accounting has grown in importance in... more

This article offers a conceptual contribution to the development of sustainability accounting. Sustainability accounting is the contribution of accounting to sustainable development. Sustainability accounting has grown in importance in many countries. The paper uses discourse analysis to analyse sustainability at the conceptual level. This paper highlights the motivation for sustainability accounting, the definition of sustainability accounting, the objectives of sustainability accounting and the tools of sustainability accounting. The findings are significant in that they show that sustainability accounting can provide a reporting framework that allows organizations to commit significant resources to promote continuing sustainability in the interest of society and the environment.

Urban Sustainability in Theory and Practice responds to the crises of sustainability in the world today by going back to basics. It makes four major contributions to thinking about and acting upon cities. It provides a means of... more

Urban Sustainability in Theory and Practice responds to the crises of sustainability in the world today by going back to basics. It makes four major contributions to thinking about and acting upon cities. It provides a means of reflexivity learning about urban sustainability in the process of working practically for positive social development and projected change. It challenges the usually taken-for-granted nature of sustainability practices while providing tools for modifying those practices. It emphasizes the necessity of a holistic and integrated understanding of urban life. Finally it rewrites existing dominant understandings of the social whole such as the triple-bottom line approach that reduces environmental questions to externalities and social questions to background issues. The book is a much-needed practical and conceptual guide for rethinking urban engagement.

Actions directed at saving the remaining natural resources, be it forests, biodiversity, or whole ecosystems should be expected to increase as levels of environmental degradation increase. This expectation is consistent with the comment... more

Actions directed at saving the remaining natural resources, be it forests, biodiversity, or
whole ecosystems should be expected to increase as levels of environmental degradation increase. This expectation is consistent with the comment of Dudley et al(1999) that there is an excellent outlook for protected area increases; and with information indicating that since 1962 protection of public areas has increased tenfold(Molnar 2005). For example, most countries have already protected or are planning to protect a percentage of their resource base, and pressures from NGOs seeking maximum protection are right now strong. Conservation International reports that in 2005 it has projects in 40 countries(Seligmann 2005). Also, the conflict between social goals and preservation goals should be expected to increase as the levels of natural resources available for traditional social uses decrease. For example, as environmental stakeholders press for more resource protection, social stakeholders will press for their right to exploit their available resources, especially, sustainably. This should not be a surprise as the conflict between conservation and the people or communities affected by it is known(Wright1996; Stolton and Dudley 1999) and it is now more widely recognized(Molnar 2005).

Supply chain sustainability includes environmental, economic, and social dimensions. However, social sustainability in supply chains has received less attention than environmental and economic dimensions. Sustainability issues in emerging... more

Supply chain sustainability includes environmental, economic, and social dimensions. However, social sustainability in supply chains has received less attention than environmental and economic dimensions. Sustainability issues in emerging economies have also been neglected. Literature reviews reveal that assessing social sustainability in the context of the footwear supply chain in an emerging economy is still an under-researched area. Therefore, this study investigates enablers of social sustainability in the footwear supply chains in Bangladesh using the Best-Worst method. The framework was applied to a footwear manufacturing company with an aim to incorporate social sustainability practices into operations and supply chains. Nineteen enablers were identified by reviewing the extant literature. Among them, ten enablers were selected with the help of expert inputs. The enablers were ranked according to average weight evaluated by the Best-Worst method. The results indicated that workplace health and safety practices was the most important enabler to the social sustainability of a footwear manufacturing company's supply chain, followed by the wages and benefits offered to the employees of the company. The findings of this study are expected to guide industrial managers and experts on where to focus attention on achieving social sustainability in supply chains.

Mythmaking presents us with an idiosyncratic fusion of language and metaphysics so as to simply convey meaning as language does, and also communicate an entire metaphysics at a level of meaning beyond language and image. Claiming so, is... more

Mythmaking presents us with an idiosyncratic fusion of language and metaphysics so as to simply convey meaning as language does, and also communicate an entire metaphysics at a level of meaning beyond language and image. Claiming so, is to attest to the relevance of myths in the operationalization of ecological worldviews. In this paper, I will assume such an operational relationship between myths and ecological worldviews. First and foremost, our worldviews act as 'first principles' in establishing our interaction with our environment. At a time when anthropogenic ecocide presents a grave threat to the balance of life on earth, this fundamental notion is of great relevance. Specifically, this paper will study how myths mediated human interaction with nature in the past and continue to do so today. By comparing sets of myths of the Tukano Indians of the Amazon and Hindus of India, I will identify two functions of myth as mediator between man and nature.

The old parts of the Iranian cities, which have survived over the past few decades, are now suffering degradation due to the long-term lack of maintenance and conservation. Based on the comprehensive approach to urban planning, despite... more

The old parts of the Iranian cities, which have survived over the past few decades, are now suffering degradation due to the long-term lack of maintenance and conservation. Based on the comprehensive approach to urban planning, despite the high social potentials of some of these deteriorated areas, in order to improve their physical quality; complete demolition is the ultimate suggested solution. Therefore, an urgent strategy is needed in order to reintegrate these forgotten places into mainstream development of the main city in an adequate approach. In recent years, sustainability has become one of the main vital strategies to set as a goal in urban regeneration and renewal projects. This approach can link economic profits and environmental improvement with social aspects.
This paper is the study of a historical district called “Ghaleh Abkooh”. With a 300-year history, this high density organic fabric is located at Mashhad downtown. Lacking a development plan in the past decades, Abkooh area does not function properly within Mashhad urban socio-eco system. Therefore, it is conceived to be an informal settlement. Despite of long history of residence and strong kinship ties which have led to social cohesion and strong local identity, the proposed regeneration plan consists of complete demolition and rebuilding approach through compulsory acquisition. There are growing local resistance against these culminated disputes, petition movements and negotiations with regional and provincial authorities.

Sustainable development is one of the issues that many developed and developing countries focus on in the world. The sustainability of human and natural resources is of great importance for securing the world and humanity's common... more

Sustainable development is one of the issues that many developed and developing countries focus on in the world. The sustainability of human and natural resources is of great importance for securing the world and humanity's common future. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the socioeconomic structure of Erzurum with analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and digitized strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis considering sustainable development goals (SDGs). The items included in the Agenda 21 report of the United Nations and 17 SDGs determined by the United Nations were taken into consideration in this endeavour. In line with expert opinions, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats created by the sustainable development goals for Erzurum province were analysed statistically with the AHP. Priority and weighted values of each sub-criterion were calculated. According to this analysis, "the richness of natural, cultural and historical resourc...

Large-scale development of solar-generated electricity is hindered in some regions of the U.S. by land use competition and localized social resistance. One approach to alleviate these coupled challenges is agrivoltaics: the strategic... more

Large-scale development of solar-generated electricity is hindered in some regions of the U.S. by land use competition and localized social resistance. One approach to alleviate these coupled challenges is agrivoltaics: the strategic co-location of solar photovoltaics and agriculture. To explore the opportunities and barriers for agrivoltaics, in-depth interviews with solar industry professionals were conducted and findings suggest that the potential for an agrivoltaic project to retain agricultural interests and consequently increase local support for development is the most significant opportunity of dual use solar. Capable of increasing community acceptance, participants expect agrivoltaics to play an important role in future solar endeavors, especially in places where development may be perceived as a threat to agricultural interests. The results further reveal the interconnections among the various dimensions of social acceptance and suggest that the growth of agrivoltaics is c...

The study examines the influence of board characteristics on environmental sustainability performance. Companies' sustainability performance is affected by many factors such as board composition, lack of knowledge, policies and resources... more

The study examines the influence of board characteristics on environmental sustainability performance. Companies' sustainability performance is affected by many factors such as board composition, lack of knowledge, policies and resources of companies, competition from other companies and market trends. The King IV Code of Corporate Governance suggests that the composition of board members ought to contain a diversity of race and gender and independence. The Code states that the board members should consist of both independent members and non-independent members that would act in the interest of the companies. The study used the multiple regression analysis to analyse data from Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)'s Socially Responsible Index (SRI) listed banking and retail companies from 2007-2017 to test how board characteristics influence environmental (energy usage) sustainability of JSE SRI listed firms. Results indicate that the number of female board members has a negative and insignificant influence on corporate energy usage; board independence positively and significantly influences energy usage, and market capitalisation has a positive but an insignificant influence on energy usage. The study suggests that though not all board characteristics influence companies' environmental performance, having a considerable number of independent board members could have a positive impact on environmentally-related decisions.

مجتمع‌های مسکن مهر نشانه‌ای از معضل افزایش تراکم ساختمانی در شهرسازی امروز محسوب می‌شوند که دارای تبعات اجتماعی بسیاری هستند. مسائل انسانی و اجتماعی که در ساخت این مجتمع‌ها مغفول مانده است به‌واسطه محیط کالبدی قابل اصلاح و بهبود است.... more

مجتمع‌های مسکن مهر نشانه‌ای از معضل افزایش تراکم ساختمانی در شهرسازی امروز محسوب می‌شوند که دارای تبعات اجتماعی بسیاری هستند. مسائل انسانی و اجتماعی که در ساخت این مجتمع‌ها مغفول مانده است به‌واسطه محیط کالبدی قابل اصلاح و بهبود است. ازین‌رو، هدف از تحقیق حاضر که به‌منظور ارتقاء هویت و سرزندگی اجتماعی در ساختارهای معاصر شهری انجام یافته است، بررسی تأثیر فضاهای اجتماع‌پذیر بر پایداری اجتماعی مجتمع‌های مسکونی در نمونه‌های موردی یعنی سه مجتمع مسکن مهر اردبیل، نیایش، وحدت، و اندیشه، است. فرضیه تحقیق این است که وجود فضاهای عمومی اجتماع‌پذیر در مجتمع‌های مسکونی مهر اردبیل با پایداری اجتماعی این مجتمع‌ها رابطه معنی‌داری دارد. روش تحقیق مقاله حاضر، روش ترکیبی کمی و کیفی، با استفاده از راهبردهای استدلال منطقی، تطبیقی و همبستگی است. پیمایش از طریق تحلیل داده‌های حاصل از پرسش‌نامه‌ها با استفاده از نرم‌افزار SPSS و تحلیل محتوای مصاحبه‌ها و انجام مشاهدات صورت گرفته است. نتایج حاصل از آزمون داده‌ها مبین این موضوع است که وجود فضاهای اجتماع‌پذیر بر افزایش سطح پایداری اجتماعی در مجتمع‌های مسکونی تأثیرگذار است، موضوعی که توسط مصاحبه‌ها و مشاهدات نیز تأیید گردید. از طریق انطباق داده‌های حاصل از تحلیل پرسش‌نامه‌ها، مصاحبه‌ها و مشاهدات، متغیرها و ویژگی‌های محیطی مرتبط با اجتماع‌پذیری فضاهای عمومی مجتمع‌های مسکونی استخراج و دسته‌بندی شد. در پایان اشاره می‌شود که راه‌کارهای ایجاد فضاهای اجتماع‌پذیر چون فضاهای سبز، فضاهای بازی‌ کودکان، مراکز تجاری، و مراکز فرهنگی، اندازه مناسب کالبدی‌ـ اجتماعی فضا، بهبود آسایش زیستی، و تنوع بصری، نقش بسزایی در تأمین اجتماع‌پذیری فضاهای عمومی و از این‌رو ارتقای پایداری اجتماعی مجتمع‌های مسکونی دارند.

The Sustainability and Social Inclusion Research Project is meant to articulate with the City of Fort Collins' own emphasis on social sustainability by investigating patterns of citizen participation in (and assessing who appears to... more

The Sustainability and Social Inclusion Research Project is meant to articulate with the City of Fort Collins' own emphasis on social sustainability by investigating patterns of citizen participation in (and assessing who appears to benefit from) the social, economic, and environmental “goods” that are imagined to be the desired outcomes of local sustainability planning and development.

Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, has undergone rapid economic growth and urbanization over the past 20 years. In contrast with developed countries, where sustainable development has been implemented on a neighborhood scale,... more

Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, has undergone rapid economic growth and urbanization over the past 20 years. In contrast with developed countries, where sustainable development has been implemented on a neighborhood scale, sustainable planning research has still been concentrated at the national level and less on the neighborhood level in the State of Qatar. Achieving the development of healthy cities without green and sustainable neighborhoods within them is challenging. The dynamism, livability and diversity of cities rely upon the cohesion of its neighborhoods as they make up the urban fabric from which enduring settlements are formed. Moreover, walkability and connectivity have been identified as two of the central aspects for enhancing neighborhood livability. However, the introduction of the car has transformed traditional pedestrianized street patterns into a car-dominant street network, with traditional walking Souqs replaced by destination-based strip-shopping...

ThereisafilrougeconnectingUniversalDesignandsustainabilitywhich within the Brundtland Report can be recognized in the pillar of social sustainability. The demographic and epidemiological aspects that are affecting western countries, the... more

ThereisafilrougeconnectingUniversalDesignandsustainabilitywhich within the Brundtland Report can be recognized in the pillar of social sustainability. The demographic and epidemiological aspects that are affecting western countries, the definitions of health and healthy cities given by the World Health Organization and the international documents dealing with sustainable development oblige build- ing designers and urban planners to reconsider their social role and become “health operators”. The strict link between human beings and the built environment under- lined both by Universal Design and International Classification of Functioning is the reasons why our cities and settlements need high quality urban spaces in order to enhance everyday life social dimension. Three urban projects in Manhattan, Den Haag and Copenhagen will be presented to show how sustainable urban planning can promote social interaction and inclusion, cohesion of communities, human health and well-being, cultural expression and dialogue among a wide diversity of people and cultures.

Quantification of nuclear liability insurance is difficult without arbitrary liability caps; however, post-mortem calculations can be used to calculate insurance costs. This study analyzes the Fukushima (Daiichi) nuclear power plant... more

Quantification of nuclear liability insurance is difficult without arbitrary liability caps; however, post-mortem calculations can be used to calculate insurance costs. This study analyzes the Fukushima (Daiichi) nuclear power plant disaster to quantify the cost per unit electricity ($/kWh) of nuclear energy from the lifetime of the plant after accounting for the true cost of the liability needed to cover the damages from the nuclear disaster determined from news reports. These costs are then compared to the cost of electricity currently paid by Japanese consumers, and then are aggregated to determine the indirect subsidy for nuclear power providers in both Japan and the USA. The results show that the reported costs of the Fukushima nuclear disaster are 20–525billion,whichresultsinarealinsurancecostfromthelifetimeofelectricityproducedattheplantsbetween20–525 billion, which results in a real insurance cost from the lifetime of electricity produced at the plants between 20–525billion,whichresultsinarealinsurancecostfromthelifetimeofelectricityproducedattheplantsbetween0.22–5.78/kWh. These values are far higher than the current insurance costs by Japanese law of $0.01/kWh and even the total costs consumers pay for electricity. Although the spread in the input costs is large and the reported metrics are incomplete, the nuclear insurance subsidy is clearly substantial in Japan and in the USA. Ideally, energy sources should be economically sustainable without the need for a government insurance subsidy. For the electricity market to function effectively and efficiently in all other countries using nuclear power, the insurance costs should be reported accurately and included in nuclear electricity costs without arbitrary government liability caps.

There is broad support worldwide for the concept of sustainable development and the integration of its three pillars: economic development, environmental protection and social development. Nevertheless, previous research shows substantial... more

There is broad support worldwide for the concept of sustainable development and the integration of its three pillars: economic development, environmental protection and social development. Nevertheless, previous research shows substantial difficulties associated with fully incorporating and operationalising social sustainability features in various sectors. The present article aims to explore further the reasons why incorporation of social sustainability aspects appears to

The social business paradigm encapsulates the significance of sustainability to effectively address social and environmental problems. However, there exist a limited number of research papers conceptualizing management strategies on how... more

The social business paradigm encapsulates the significance of sustainability to effectively address social and environmental problems. However, there exist a limited number of research papers conceptualizing management strategies on how social businesses can effectively remain sustainable. In consequence, this paper addresses a gap in the literature and proposes the utilization of supplier relationships as an instrument to cultivate social and environmental sustainability in a social business. Furthermore, the authors of this paper redefine the Kraljic Matrix framework to facilitate its utilization in the social business model and reveal the relationship strategies social businesses can pursue with their suppliers in order to be sustainable. Hence, this research paper fulfils an important need to define strategies to cultivate sustainability in a social business and provides powerful insights encompassing the milieu of supply chain management.

The purpose of this report is to uncover dominant operational, environmental and social sustainability challenges in the realm of the Agri-Food industry, in particular the durum wheat and pasta sector while focusing attention on the... more

The purpose of this report is to uncover dominant operational, environmental and social sustainability challenges in the realm of the Agri-Food industry, in particular the durum wheat and pasta sector while focusing attention on the Southern-Italian hemisphere. This Project Report will navigate the effects of climate change, resource scarcity, population growth, and biodiversity depletion on the Agri-Food sector, and relative production of durum wheat semolina (DWS), including financing challenges, and the effects of sustainable development, while elaborating the topic with regards to potential the implementation of innovative strategies; it will also expose sustainability influence in terms of production and design pertaining to the aforementioned industry. Moreover, the report will review the impact of international regulation on the Agri-Food sector, with means to forge the best possible approach for engaging with progressive enhancements in regard to the overall industry’s compliance to international code, while reviewing the importance of integrating a powerful sustainable report, implemented by a leading organization in this niche market and appraising essential numerical and graphical data from 2020’s financial year report.

While many studies in the field of environmental communication have focused on exploring the environmental impact of social media, this research paper takes a different turn. It investigates, through a qualitative content analysis, 391... more

While many studies in the field of environmental communication have focused on exploring the environmental impact of social media, this research paper takes a different turn. It investigates, through a qualitative content analysis, 391 websites that support and provide green hosting services. This study is considered the first in the field that aims to examine in-depth how these green websites tend to communicate their green services. Therefore, its contribution is to enhance the relevant bibliography and present more insights regarding green websites and sustainability. The results showed that most of the websites were trying to highlight the positive impact their services will have on the environment. In addition, many websites tried to educate their consumers concerning sustainable development and make them part of a broader green cultural tradition. Nevertheless, on many websites, green hosting seemed a supplementary factor for choosing the company’s services.

By including the context within which consumers' pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors are formed, this research provides a comprehensive delineation of the process that leads from context to behavior. This is the first study to... more

By including the context within which consumers' pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors are formed, this research provides a comprehensive delineation of the process that leads from context to behavior. This is the first study to examine context factors as subjective perceptions made by consumers about aspects of their own situation, specifically the extent to which they perceive having more or less time, money, and power available. In contrast to previous research considering one type of behavior (such as recycling), this study recognizes pro-environmental behavior as a heterogeneous, multi-dimensional construct, and includes both public and private sphere behaviors. Pro-environmental business managers and policy-makers may not be in a position to impact objective contextual factors that consumers face, however, they may influence perceptions and attitudes. This study identifies specifically which variables may be of more interest to modulate, so as to increase proenvironmental behavior.

In recent years, the world has seen the emergence of a number of urban projects which, under the banner of experimentation, have promoted alternative models of city-making capable, in theory, of creating sustainable built environments.... more

In recent years, the world has seen the emergence of a number of urban projects which, under the banner of experimentation, have promoted alternative models of city-making capable, in theory, of creating sustainable built environments. Among these supposedly experimental models, the smart city and the eco-city stand out in terms of geographical diffusion, and are hailed by their advocates as the mark of an innovative urbanism based on a scientific approach to urban development. Through the analysis of Hong Kong and Masdar City, examples of a smart-city agenda and an eco-city project respectively, this paper questions the sustainability of so-called smart cities and eco-cities, by investigating the extent to which they are developed in a controlled and systematic manner as their developers claim. More specifically, the paper counterclaims mainstream understandings of smart and ecological urbanism, arguing that what are promoted as cohesive settlements shaped by a homogeneous vision of the sustainable city, are actually fragmented cities made of disconnected and often incongruous pieces of urban fabric. Theoretically, these claims are discussed through the concept of Frankenstein urbanism which draws upon Mary Shelley's novel as a metaphor for unsuccessful experiments generated by the forced union of different, incompatible elements.

Awareness and significance of sustainable development (SD) has been growing around the world for the last few decades. Sustainable construction is now considered a way for the construction industry to contribute to this larger effort. It... more

Awareness and significance of sustainable development (SD) has been growing around the world for the last few decades. Sustainable construction is now considered a way for the construction industry to contribute to this larger effort. It is clear why the construction industry must respond accordingly and focus its attention on developing more sustainable buildings - not least because of its huge size, the vast amount of resources it consumes and its major impact on the built and natural environments. This research work therefore aims to examine the concept of sustainability, investigate the costs related to producing sustainable buildings and the relationship that exists between these costs. A review of the literature showed that the concept of sustainability is broad but the economic, social and environmental aspects, which are inextricably linked, remain the three fundamental pillars of sustainability. Initial construction cost (IC), cost-in-use (CIU) and carbon cost (CC) were rev...

In this report, we present our detailed analysis of the supply chain - a critical part of the value chain in around ten sectors. Our analysis was conducted in partnership with Bureau Veritas Certification. We drew on the field experience... more

In this report, we present our detailed analysis of the supply chain - a critical part of the value chain in around ten sectors. Our analysis was conducted in partnership with Bureau Veritas Certification. We drew on the field experience built up during social audits, noting some contradictions between increasingly integrated approaches and what was observed at certain production sites.
Based on a sample of over 1,500 social audits carried out in 2013 and 2014 in 9 countries (5 emerging markets and 4 OECD countries), Bureau Veritas’ findings highlight recurring issues of non-compliance, particularly in terms of employee health and safety and shortcomings in the management systems. While the frequency of the incidents is much greater in emerging markets (around three times higher than in OECD countries), the type of incident that tended to be noted in developed countries was more surprising
(working hours and remuneration). Incidents impacting the fundamental principles of human freedom and dignity are, however, marginal, and seem to mainly involve tier-2 and 3 suppliers.
Oddo Securities' analysis model underpinned by 12 criteria
Oddo proposes a structured approach to analysing the supply chain, a key component of the social ecosystem (client capital, brands, suppliers, etc.). Since the question of financial materiality is key to us, our approach is based on a double filter enabling us to focus on around ten sectors (30% of the market capitalisation of the DJ Stoxx 600) for
which the supply chain is significant and likely to impact the company's shareholder value. We have identified three focuses for our analysis (exposure, commitment and management & results) with the application of 12 criteria.

Digital fabrication laboratories (such as Fab Labs) are a global initiative of workshops that offer open access to technologies to produce objects from beginning idea to final production. Fab Labs encourage open and free knowledge-sharing... more

Digital fabrication laboratories (such as Fab Labs) are a global initiative of workshops that offer open access to technologies to produce objects from beginning idea to final production. Fab Labs encourage open and free knowledge-sharing among ‘experts’ and the general public. Claims are being made about community-based digital fabrication workshops transforming practices of design, innovation, production and consumption, while describing positive impacts on the environment and social goals. Research that examines such claims is sparse. This paper explores realities of using digital fabrication technologies within a Fab Lab. It draws on a case study that describes practical outcomes of a design workshop in which a multidisciplinary team engaged in issues of sustainable design and processes of co-creation to design and fabricate a prototype. This experience provides insight into the impact of digital fabrication technologies within a sustainable and co-creational design context and critical reflections are presented. Katja Fleischmann, Sabine Hielscher & Timothy Merritt (2016): Making things in Fab Labs: a case study on sustainability and co-creation, Digital Creativity, DOI: 10.1080/14626268.2015.1135809. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14626268.2015.1135809 Keywords: Fab Lab; sustainability; co-creation; digital fabrication technologies

The purpose of the present contribution is to explore the potential of the digital transformation through the lens of social sustainability, an aspect of sustainable finance that often remains in the shadow of the political and academic... more

The purpose of the present contribution is to explore the potential of the digital transformation through the lens of social sustainability, an aspect of sustainable finance that often remains in the shadow of the political and academic debate on environmental sustainability. This chapter analyses some of the main regulatory concerns and market barriers that arise from the digital transformation of the financial services industry. Focus is on how some developing and emerging market countries are confronting the challenges to achieving financial inclusion and, ultimately, at putting forward policy recommendations to make sure that new technologies create equal opportunities for all, while minimizing the unintended risks and consequences.

The research looks at the relationship between urban regeneration and social sustainability, looking at the way in which city plan can be organized to increase social and physical aspects related to social sustainability. The two main... more

The research looks at the relationship between urban regeneration and social sustainability, looking at the way in which city plan can be organized to increase social and physical aspects related to social sustainability. The two main concepts are popular themes in both the academia and policy-making. The first concept is investigated as a process aimed to revitalize pre-existing area, with ambitious objectives, such as a rehabilitation of public areas and services and a strengthened social and civic participation. The second concept revolves around two dimensions, sustainability of a community and social equity. As there are adverse effects related to the process of urban regeneration (e.g. the process of gentrification), a focus on the social dimension of sustainability is needed to ascertain the quality of the process. Therefore, departing from theoretical knowledge, the research draws a set of social sustainability indicators employed in a case study. The area of Lombok, Utrecht is chosen as an exemplary case highlighting the relations between these two concepts. The results, which include quantitative and qualitative data, pinpoint the complexity of achieving social sustainability in neighborhood interested by urban regeneration, and the potential role of different stakeholders in aiding or hindering the process. Issues of safety in terms of car traffic and perception of uneasiness, and disputes around identity, with fear of gentrification, results in a need for a cohesive plan that consider physical as well as social elements. The findings highlight the need for policy makers and planners to embrace social aspects in the formulation of urban regeneration plan, and suggest recommendations for future research.

Social services are the 4th pillar in the wellfare State. It is basic its consolidation for citizens in an each time more vulnerable society because the postmoderne societies are experimenting huge changes. In Spain it is a very young... more

Social services are the 4th pillar in the wellfare State. It is basic its consolidation for citizens in an each time more vulnerable society because the postmoderne societies are experimenting huge changes. In Spain it is a very young system, which has been extraordinary developed in the last 30 years. Nevertheless, it has many weaknesses. in this paper we analyze its development and social sustainability in Spain taking the case of Valencia as a case study.

"Environments people inhabit and experience have the power to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and their communities. Life from the Inside promotes discussion on the potential of interior architecture to improve and extend the... more

"Environments people inhabit and experience have the
power to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and their
communities. Life from the Inside promotes discussion
on the potential of interior architecture to improve
and extend the quality of life through the design of our
built environments. The editors position the debate
through three lenses — Community Engagement,
Social Justice and Cultural Heritage. A series of essays
describe and challenge those associated with the
creation of interiors to revaluate the way the discipline
conceptualises and projects itself, and to consider
how it may contribute to addressing the pressures of
contemporary society. The key characteristics of the
profession emerge which enable significant roles to be
played in enhancing social sustainability.
This book gives form to the desire to use design for
positive change as a counter platform to a consumption
driven world. The issues raised by the authors
are relevant for individuals, government and nongovernment
organisations, professionals, students
and communities. It serves as both an informative and
stimulating reflection on what interior architecture is
and could be in the twenty-first century."

This book chapter is an early version of Cugurullo 2018. Although similar in nature, this chapter explores aspects of experimental urbanism, such as the decomposition of the urban fabric of eco-city projects, which are not discussed in... more

This book chapter is an early version of Cugurullo 2018. Although similar in nature, this chapter explores aspects of experimental urbanism, such as the decomposition of the urban fabric of eco-city projects, which are not discussed in its later incarnation in Environment and Planning A.

There is great concern for social and environmental sustainability in project management. Pioneering solutions are needed to cope with the 21stcentury challenges of globalization specially project management. In the circumstances of the... more

There is great concern for social and environmental sustainability in project management. Pioneering solutions are needed to cope with the 21stcentury challenges of globalization specially project management. In the circumstances of the 21st century challenges, the organizations and countries from diverse milieu have started to review their sustainability and project supervision approaches. Even though two distinct key-elements of an organization, with importance attributable to the performance of an organization, they are interrelated, and sustainability can be integrated within project management. In order to evaluate this fact, the present study has conducted to identify the challenges of a project management. The study was documentary analysis typed. Information and was conducted during the period of December-2017 and May-2018. From the result it was found that there are some challenges of a project management such as developing understanding on Project lifecycle, stakeholder management and engagement, developing sustainability strategies, integration of social sustainability dimensions, developing sustainable procurement and resource scarcity. However, the project monitoring and evaluating authority should be experienced, qualified and free from any kind of unethical behavior. Moreover, sufficient knowledge about the project management process as required for a project successful.

The idea of sustainability has invaded every aspect of human lives, mainly focusing on intergenerational and intragenerational equalities. The essay suggests the main obstacle standing in the way of sustainable development is the... more

The idea of sustainability has invaded every aspect of human lives, mainly focusing on intergenerational and intragenerational equalities. The essay suggests the main obstacle standing in the way of sustainable development is the different worldview of various societies and governments, worldwide. Astronomy education provides a platform for everybody to unite under an umbrella and view the world in a healthy, sustainable manner. The essay discusses how astronomy education promotes the attitudes essential in tackling issues regarding sustainability.