Showing papers in "Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal in 2019"

Is sustainability reporting (ESG) associated with performance? Evidence from the European banking sector

Abstract: Sustainability reporting has been widely adopted by firms worldwide given the need of stakeholders for more transparency on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between ESG and bank’s operational (Return on Assets), financial (Return on Equity) and market performance (Tobin’s Q).,This study examined 235 banks for ten years (2007-2016) to ends up with 2,350 observations. The independent variable is the ESG disclosure; the dependent variables are performance indicators (return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q). Two type of control variables are utilized in this study: bank specific and macroeconomic.,The findings deduced from the empirical results demonstrate that there is significant positive impact of ESG on the performance. However, the relationship between ESG disclosures is vary if measured individually; the environmental disclosure found positively affect the ROA and TQ. Whereas, the corporate social responsibility disclosure is negatively affect the three models. However, the corporate governance disclosure found negatively affects the ROA, ROE and positively affects the Tobin’s Q.,The results of this study can be used to present a successful model for worldwide banks to concentrate on the role of ESG disclosure in performance.

Sustainable supply chain management: A review of literature and implications for future research

Abstract: The business enterprises are increasingly focusing on buying and supplying of products and services in a manner to reduce the adverse impacts on the environment, society, and economy. In view of the above, the concept of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has received attention of the industry and academia due to its importance on environmental, social and corporate responsibility through economic performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.,The structured literature review attempts to map the various theories in the SSCM literature from the perspectives of economic performance, environmental dimensions, and social values and ethics.,As supply management is vital for enhancing organizational competitiveness, the present work attempts to investigate the theoretical perspectives in SSCM to develop an understanding of the current research activities and future potentials.,This work aims to gain a number of valid insights for the practitioners and the researchers. It also focuses on the perspectives of governance mechanisms for successful implementation SSCM practices in the business enterprises.,As the theory building initiatives with implications on the conceptualization of SSCM is limited in literature, this work has also been able to identify the trends and relevant research gaps to define the potential areas for future research.

A conceptual framework: Corporate environmental management activities and sustainable competitive advantage

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible effects of corporate environmental activities on sustainable competitive advantage through the mediation of leadership factors and effective implementation strategies.,The work is essentially non-empirical review of the literature with the development of a conceptual model which can be tested in a later study.,The study proposes that corporate environmental activities can give firms competitive advantage. The studies also propose that stakeholders can act as pressure thereby moderating the relationship between corporate environmental activities and sustainable competitive advantage. Leadership factors and effective implementation affect competitive advantage.,This study has a few limitations that must be considered and could provide guidance for future study; as this study does not address customers point of view, future study could help in the investigation in order to get a holistic view. Moreover, the study is based on the literature, and the conceptual model has not been tested.,The study proposes that good leadership and effectiveness in strategy implementation can make corporate environmental activities lead to sustainable competitive advantage. The findings of the study provide managers of firms with a possible tool in creating sustainable competitive advantage.,Despite the rapid growth in research on environmental issues in corporate world, limited studies have been conducted on how leadership factors and effectiveness of strategy implementation can influence how corporate environmental activities affect competitiveness of firms. This study makes an original contribution by proposing strategies for sustainable competitive advantage through the instrumentality of corporate environmental decisions.

Do environmental, social and governance performance affect the financial performance of banks? A cross-country study of emerging market banks

Abstract: Earlier firms were evaluated mostly from their financial performance perspective, but with the increasing attention to sustainability goals, environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of firms became key concerns to stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of ESG performance of banks on their financial performance, in the context of emerging markets.,This study employs the generalised method of moments technique for estimation purpose due to the dynamic nature of the data and to correct for endogeneity. This study uses the ESG performance data of 93 emerging market banks from 2015 to 2018, available in Asset4 ESG database of Refinitiv, formerly known as Thompson Reuters. The accounting and financial data are collected from Refinitiv Datastream database.,The findings indicate a positive association of emerging market banks’ environmental and social performance with their financial performance, but governance performance does not influence financial performance.,While many studies exist on the association of ESG concerns of an organisation with their financial profitability, the literature on in the context of banking is still limited. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the effect of ESG practices of banks on their financial performance in the context of emerging economies.

Green supply chain practice adoption and firm performance: manufacturing SMEs in Uganda

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between five green practices and firm performance. In addition, this paper investigates the influence of each green practice on environmental performance, economic benefits, and economic costs.,Data were collected based on a cross-sectional survey of owner/managers of 200 manufacturing SME firms in Uganda, Africa. SPSS was used to find descriptive means and test relationships between green practices and performance outcomes. Structural equation modelling was used to test for the influence of each practice on performance outcomes. The structural equation modelling results were obtained using the Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling software. Results were compared with similar studies conducted in developing countries.,Different green practices affect different performance dimensions in different ways across different industries. For example, eco-design and internal environmental management practices significantly influence environmental performance; green purchasing and internal environmental management practices significantly influence economic benefits; and internal environmental management practices affect economic costs. Overall internal environmental management is the key to positive outcomes across the three performance criteria. The authors show how the results obtained vary from similar studies conducted in developing countries and explain possible reasons for the difference.,Africa is a rapidly industrialising nation faced with difficult choices between economic growth and increased pollution. Because SMEs represent the majority of manufacturing firms, they are the main polluters. Hence, better understanding of the costs and benefits, both environmental and economic, is important to encourage green practice adoption for the betterment of community health and prosperity.,Despite numerous studies on the relationships between green practice adoption and performance outcomes, only a few studies include both economic costs and benefits in addition to environmental performance. The study covers five green supply chain practices, whereas most similar studies are limited in the number of practices examined. The African context is unique and important because industrial development and environmental protection goals are in conflict. Similar studies are predominant in an Asian context which is more developed than Africa. The findings and comparisons raise important questions for further research in relation to the roles of national regulations, geographical markets and industry types in furthering green practices in manufacturing.

Green procurement process model based on blockchain–IoT integrated architecture for a sustainable business

Abstract: Blockchain and IoT are recently developed technologies for the database creation and smooth functioning of supply chain activities. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the use of blockchain and IoT for green procurement activities. The integration of blockchain and IoT interface can solve many challenges faced by industries having green procurement.,Through a literature survey and interviews with procurement managers from different industries, challenges in green procurement were identified. Elements of blockchain and IoT were analysed to overcome the green procurement challenges. Architecture for blockchain and IoT is developed to be implemented in the green supply chain for a sustainable business.,The challenges of green procurement are categorised and ranked as per the industry survey results. The architecture shows the tasks of blockchain and IoT in green procurement activities.,Green procurement is still at developing stages in India as compared to Europe and many other countries. There is a requirement for more government involvement and participation from industry and customers to implement such methods. Environment issues and challenges faced by industries are addressed.,Blockchain–IoT integration can transform a green supply chain. This research helps industries planning to incorporate blockchain and IoT in identifying the areas to focus and better planning of resources for the successful implementation of smart technologies in their supply chains. Green initiatives ensure global competitiveness as well as recognition at the global level. Green procurement ensures the minimal usage of energy and efficient waste disposal.,The implementation of green procurement and challenges associated with it are addressed in this research. This will work as a framework for industries looking forward to implementing blockchain and IoT in their supply chains for solving green procurement challenges.

Urbanization, economic growth, and environmental pollution: Partial differential analysis based on the spatial Durbin model

Abstract: Given the recent rapid economic development, the processes of industrialization and urbanization are accelerating. At the same time, the contradiction between environmental quality and economic development has become increasingly prominent and is likely to restrict the normal pace of China’s economic development and environmental protection. As such, the purpose of this paper is to incorporate the urbanization factor into an analytic framework to discuss the relationship among urbanization, economic development, and environmental pollution.,A panel data of 31 Chinese provinces from 2004 to 2015 is selected for this research. A spatial correlation test is first conducted on the environmental pollution status, then the spatial Durbin model is used to carry out spatial econometric testing of the relationship among the above three factors.,Interprovincial environmental pollution in China has significant positive spatial correlation, environmental pollution discharge in most provinces is significantly stable, discharge of environmental pollutants is transitioning from coastal to inland provinces, and urbanization and economic growth can both aggravate environmental pollution, but economic growth can relieve environmental pollution in neighboring provinces.,The relationship between economic growth, urbanization, and environmental quality has always been an important issue for sustainable development. As such, China’s urbanization leads to economic development, while rapid economic growth and environmental pollution are coordinated. This paper focuses on the specific relationship between them. To this end, local governments make concerted efforts to formulate sound environmental regulation policies based on local environmental conditions, where economic development is an effective means of alleviating the contradictory relationship between economic development and environmental protection.

Diversity, corporate governance and CSR reporting: A comparative analysis between top-listed firms in Egypt, Germany and the USA

Abstract: Taken from an institutional theory perspective, the purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of organizational-level factors, specifically diversity and corporate governance structure, on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting practices of corporations operating in developing and developed country contexts, namely, Egypt, Germany and the USA. Since developed countries are exposed to different settings, the paper argues that there is likely to be a difference in the organizational-level drivers of CSR reporting in developed vs developing countries.,The sample consists of companies listed on the Egyptian EGX 30 index, the German DAX 30 index and the US Dow Jones 30 index. Governance- and diversity-related data are gathered from multiple sources including the BoardEx and Orbis databases. Content analysis is used to analyze the CSR information of sample companies using the software package MAXQDA. To examine the relationship between the explanatory variables of the study and CSR disclosures, multiple regression analysis is used.,The results are mostly consistent with institutional theory where the effects of diversity and governance structure, observed mainly by foreign BOD, board independence and institutional ownership, are found to be significant on the CSR disclosure levels of sample Egyptian companies only. On the other hand, no significant influence of tested factors was observed on the level of CSR reporting in the USA and Germany. The results thus indicate that the influence of organizational-level factors on CSR is highly dependent on the institutional context where companies operate.,The influence of diversity and corporate governance on CSR has been separately studied in the management literature. Yet, the potential effects of both variables on CSR have received limited attention. In addition, no study combining such explanatory variables of CSR was carried out in the specific context of developing Middle Eastern countries. Also, illustrating how institutional contexts can influence the dynamics of interaction between organizational-level variables and CSR is still understudied. This kind of multi-level research can help broaden the understanding of the drivers and practices of CSR in developing vs developed countries that have distinct institutional environments.

Effects of renewable energy consumption and trade on environmental pollution: The Turkish case

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of (non-renewable and renewable) energy consumption and trade on environmental pollution in an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) setting in Turkey for the 1965–2016 period. Design/methodology/approach Besides conventionally used unit root tests, Zivot–Andrews unit-root test is also employed to account for a possible structural break. To investigate the interrelationships among the variables, the autoregressive distributed lag and the vector error correction methodologies are employed. Findings The results verify the EKC hypothesis. Moreover, increases in trade and non-renewable energy consumption rise carbon emissions in long run, while renewable energy consumption reduces it in both short- and long-run. The causality analysis reveals that there are bi-directional long-run causalities between non-renewable energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, and between trade and carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, the neutrality hypothesis is valid for the renewable energy consumption-income nexus in both short- and long-run. For the non-renewable energy consumption-income nexus, the neutrality hypothesis holds only in short-run and the conservation hypothesis holds only in long-run. Originality/value This is the first study which incorporates both renewable energy consumption and trade into its environmental pollution model for Turkey. Moreover, by investigating short- and long-run causalities among the employed variables, more robust policy implications are put forward. Lastly, this study employs a longer sample period and considers a structural break in its models.

Using artificial neural network for predicting and controlling the effluent chemical oxygen demand in wastewater treatment plant

Abstract: Modeling Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) constitutes an important tool for controlling the operation of the process and for predicting its performance with substantial influent fluctuations. The purpose of this paper is to apply an artificial neural network (ANN) approach with a feed-forward back-propagation in order to predict the ten-month performance of Touggourt WWTP in terms of effluent Chemical Oxygen Demand (CODeff).,The influent variables such as (pHinf), temperature (TEinf), suspended solid (SSinf), Kjeldahl Nitrogen (KNinf), biochemical oxygen demand (BODinf) and chemical oxygen demand (CODinf) were used as input variables of neural networks. To determine the appropriate architecture of the neural network models, several steps of training were conducted, namely the validation and testing of the models by varying the number of neurons and activation functions in the hidden layer, the activation function in output layer as well as the learning algorithms.,The better results were achieved with an architecture network [6-50-1], hyperbolic tangent sigmoid activation functions at hidden layer, linear activation functions at output layer and a Levenberg – Marquardt method as learning algorithm. The results showed that the ANN model could predict the experimental results with high correlation coefficient 0.89, 0.96 and 0.87 during learning, validation and testing phases, respectively. The overall results indicated that the ANN modeling approach can provide an effective tool for simulating, controlling and predicting the performance of WWTP.,This work is the first of its kind in this region due to the remarkable development in terms of population and agricultural activity in the region, which drove to the increase of water pollutants, so it is necessary to use the modern technologies to modeling and controlling of WWTP.

The role of green management in creating sustainability performance on the small and medium enterprises

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the relationship between stakeholder demand, resources, knowledge and product uniqueness on green marketing and its implication on sustainability performance.,This study used a quantitative research approach that explains the phenomenon by collecting numerical data analyzed using mathematically based methods. The research location was Batik Lawean Center of Surakarta, which is the centers of Batik industry and heritage. These locations were chosen because Laweyan and Kedung Baruk have a vision as the center of Batik industry and environment-friendly heritage through sustainable development.,Stakeholder demand, resource, knowledge and the uniqueness of the product have a significant effect on the application of green management, and the green management has a significant effect on the sustainability performance. It means that the stakeholder demand, resources, knowledge and product uniqueness have a significant effect on green management, and green management simultaneously shows a significant effect on sustainability performance. The application of green management will also improve sustainability performance.,The originality of this study is on the testing of simultaneous relationships between the factors making up the application of green marketing, namely stakeholder demand, resources, knowledge and product uniqueness, as well as the impact of green marketing implementation on sustainability performance. This study focuses on the application of green management by involving the measurement of environmental performance and financial performance, as has been investigated by Karagiorgos (2010) and Earnhart and Lizal (2006). On the other hand, this study attempts to review the application of green management in the form of environmental performance as studied by Filbeck and Gorman (2004) and Sarah and Peter (2000), which reveal several determinants of environmental performance, as suggested by Mutamimah and Handoko (2011). However, this study focuses on the qualitative determinants that have been found by researchers (Raharjo, 2016) that the low or high level of green management application is determined by the demand of stakeholders, resources, knowledge, and product uniqueness considering the object of research is the Batik industry, which is certainly different from other industries, such as those that have been investigated by Karagiorgos (2010), Earnhart and Lizal (2006), Mutamimah and Handoko (2011), Filbeck and Gorman (2004), and Sarah and Peter (2000). This study also combines the measurement of financial performance and non-financial performance in the form of sustainability performance variables.

Institutional pressures and corporate environmental management maturity

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine how corporate environmental management strategies at different environmental management maturity (EMM) stages are influenced by institutional forces in the service sector organizations of a developing country.,The authors used a multiple case study approach in this study. Institutional isomorphic pressures (coercive, mimetic and normative) at different EMM stages were used as the analytical framework.,The study finds coercive pressures largely shape the corporate environmental management strategies at the reactive stage while mimetic pressures have the greatest influence on the internal integration stage. Combined mimetic and normative pressures influence the environmental strategies at the external integration stage. Further, it emphasizes the importance of various institutional pressures in propelling the organizations in the developing countries to benefit from higher levels of EMM.,This paper offers a new theoretical approach that highlights the importance of considering the institutional influence of the top-down process of diffusion and simultaneous counter-process of invention by which the lower level organizational actors shape and change their environmental management practices for corporate EMM.

Green purchasing capabilities, practices and institutional pressure

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the green-purchasing capabilities required to ensure the successful implementation of green-purchasing practices under the forces of institutional pressure. Specifically, this paper explores the green-purchasing capabilities of buyer firms under the influence of institutional pressures in supplier selection, development, collaboration and evaluation in support of environmental purchasing.,Questionnaire survey method was used to gather data from 163 ISO 14001-certified manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Partial least squares was used for hypotheses testing.,Green-purchasing capabilities, such as manufacturing, financial, intraorganisational and integration capabilities, have a significant positive effects on green-purchasing practices. However, innovation capabilities have no significant effect on green-purchasing practices. Regulation, customer and competitor pressure positively moderate the relationships between green manufacturing capabilities and practices.,The paper highlights the importance of green-purchasing capabilities in enhancing the green-purchasing practices of firms. The findings that pertain to moderating effect could be used to assist policy makers, particularly in setting appropriate policies and strategies to improve green purchasing.,Although more studies on green purchasing have been conducted in recent years, issues, such as the effect of green-purchasing capabilities on green-purchasing practices, are still unspecified. Besides, this study considers institutional pressure as the moderator when a model is constructed to exemplify the relationship between green-purchasing capabilities and practices.

Paving the way for the circular economy and more sustainable supply chains: Shedding light on formal and informal governance instruments used to induce green networks

Abstract: Circular economy is an emerging concept which requires insights from a variety of disciplines, especially from sustainable operations management. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to verify how formal and informal instruments of governance influence the induction of green practices in a green network located in Brazil, with implications for the circular economy.,Based on a review of the supply chain (SC), green supply chain management, and governance literature, proposals are made regarding the influence of governance instruments in inducing green practices. To investigate these propositions, a qualitative research was conducted using a single exemplary case study of a cosmetics supply network.,The authors present original research findings which have both expected and unexpected implications for the circular economy, due to the fact that the data analysis showed that the formal (contracts and environmental norms) and informal (trust and cooperation) instruments of governance positively influence the induction of green practices within the supply network.,This study contributes to supply network and governance theory by providing insights for better understanding of how governance instruments can induce green practices in a supply network, and it provides practical implications for SC managers, by showing the importance of considering different governance instruments. Implications for the circular economy are made.

Sustainable modeling in reverse logistics strategies using fuzzy MCDM: Case of China Pakistan Economic Corridor

Abstract: Globalization in supply chain networks is urging manufacturing companies for the production of sustainable products with re-engineering technologies that offer competitive advantage in current market. However, the increasing sustainable illumes are influencing reverse logistics (RL) systems to analyze their impacts on economy, environment and society. Recently, China’s $62bn investment under the egis of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which comprises a number of infrastructure and energy projects is developing Pakistan as a part of “One Belt One Road” initiative. Accordingly, a substantial number of economical, ecological and social exercises will occur in closest future. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of sustainable practices, i.e., environmental, economic and social sustainability on RL recovery options.,Sustainable concepts including environmental, economic and social and RL recovery options are extracted through extensive literature review. A number of researchers used a variety of methodologies for achieving their research objectives. However, the authors will be using a combination of VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and grey relational analysis (GRA) technique under fuzzy environment in the case of CPEC.,Results show that waste management, impact on bio-diversity and economic growth are the most significant factors in designing sustainable RL recovery options. Moreover, remanufacture and reuse rank top among RL recovery options due their significant economic and environmental effects, whereas recycle and resell position last due to their high cost and cutting edge modern technologies.,Finally based on this model, it is possible for authorities to design a sustainable RL strategy for efficient operations in case of CPEC projects and other developing countries as well.,Negligible work has been done regarding sustainable modeling in RL strategies using a combination of VIKOR and GRA techniques subjected to fuzzy environment in the case of CPEC from perspective of developing country, i.e., Pakistan.

Examining the impact of institutional pressures and green supply chain management practices on firm performance

Abstract: With the challenge of ecological business sustainability, concepts like green design, eco-friendly products, sustainable technologies and efficient processes have compelled the organizations to adopt change. The purpose of this paper is to focus on understanding the impact of green supply chain (GSC) management practices and institutional pressures on economic and environmental performances of organizations in an unstable developing economy.,Data were collected from the supply chain specialists working in manufacturing firms through a questionnaire. Valid data of 101 respondents were used for analyzing the relationship among the constructs with the help of structural equation modeling.,The result of this study reveals that internal GSC practices and institutional pressure have a negative insignificant impact on economic performance, whereas all the constructs are the significant contributors toward improving environmental performance.,This study will help the supply chain decision makers to make a strategy that is beneficial for improving both economic and environmental dimensions of the performance of a firm.,An environmental management study under a rapidly changing scenario is always helpful to understand the behavior and its impact. This study is very useful and need of a time in the context of any developing country facing an economic and environmental crisis.

Examining the effect of employee green involvement on perception of corporate social responsibility: Moderating role of green training

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand the extent to which green involvement (GI) can affect employee perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR), with the intervening role of green training (GT).,The sample for the study was collected from employees working in tourist hotels. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the fit of the hypothesized model, and hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypothesis.,The results showed that GI of employees has a positive and significant relationship with their perception of CSR. The study further revealed that when there is an increase in GT, the relationship between GI and perception of CSR gets more positive.,It adds value to the ongoing research in the field of environment, training and CSR. The findings will be helpful for policy makers and researchers in the field of stakeholder management.

Attitude and subjective norm as personal moral obligation mediated predictors of intention to build eco-friendly house

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to combine the theory of planned behavior variables with norm activation model to predict the behavioral intention to build eco-friendly houses among adult house owners of Kerala. It was hypothesized that the moral obligation will mediate the relationship of both attitude and subjective norm toward the intention to build eco-friendly houses.,Data were collected from 269 adult house owners from Kerala with the help of structured questionnaires. Attitude toward eco-friendly houses was measured using semantic differential scale, subjective norm was measured using items adapted from Ajzen and Jansson and Dorrepaal, personal norm was measured using 7 items adapted from Jansson and Dorrepaal and behavioral intention to build eco-friendly house was measured using 14-item measures which probed the various characteristics of eco-friendly buildings. Data were analyzed using mediation analysis with the help of PROCESS macro plug-in of IBM SPSS.,The study revealed that the relationship between subjective norm and behavioral intention to construct eco-friendly houses was fully mediated by personal norm, and the relationship between attitude and behavioral intention was partially mediated by personal norm.,Eco-friendly houses or sustainable architecture is the requirement of the time. Psychology can play a major role in increasing the choice to opt an eco-friendly alternative. The present study tries to develop a green marketing strategy by understanding the influential psychological variables. The study points to the importance of personal moral obligation of the people in the choice of the eco-friendly houses. The study is limited in itself because it failed to consider any situational factors that may be influential in the intention to build an eco-friendly house.,Considering the immediacy and potency of global climate change and the role green architecture can play to reduce the impact of the blow, eco-friendly architecture is inevitable. Many psychological studies have been instrumental in shaping and changing individual behaviors. Considering these facts the present study aims to identify the role of psychological variables in determining the intention to build eco-friendly houses. This study will help in identifying the relevant personal variables that can promote eco-friendly construction.

Re-testing and validating a triple bottom line dominant logic for business sustainability

Abstract: The triple bottom line (TBL) is still commonly explored in research without joint consideration of economic, social and environmental elements of business sustainability (BS). The purpose of this p ...

A novel MCDM model for prioritizing the renewable power plants’ construction

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique to determine the priority of renewable power plants construction conceding technical, economic, social, political and environmental aspects. Design/methodology/approach First, a comprehensive set of 5 main criteria of technical, economic, social, political and environmental are considered for renewable power plants construction, each including 5 sub-criteria (a total of 25 sub-criteria). Then, the analytic hierarchy process method is used to determine the weight of the criteria. Finally, a new MCDM technique proposed to prioritize the construction of renewable power plants, named TOPKOR. To demonstrate the capability of the proposed method, a case study is conducted in which six types of renewable power plants are evaluated. Findings Comparison results of the main criteria weights show that the “economic” [0.403], “environmental” [0.296] and “technical” [0.17] aspects have the highest importance, respectively. The results also show that solar, hydroelectric and wave and tidal power plants have the highest priority for construction, respectively. Research limitations/implications The result of this research could be useful for related decision makers in construction of the renewable power plants to have a comprehensive set of criteria in technical, economic, social, political and environmental aspects in their decision process. Originality/value This research provides a comprehensive set of criteria and sub-criteria for prioritizing the renewable power plants. Moreover, a new hybrid MCDM technique is introduced for prioritizing the construction of power plants.

Revealing potential of energy-saving behind emission reduction: A DEA-based empirical study

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to generate quantitative managerial insights for the improvement of the energy-saving potential and the coordinated development between economic growth and environmental protection.,A novel data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, based on the classical DEA theory, is developed from the perspective of emission reduction.,The empirical results indicate that China’s overall environmental efficiency is low and that there is huge improvement space for energy saving. Under the concerns of emission reduction, the energy-saving potential of the central region exceeds that of both the eastern and western regions. With regard to water, electricity and gas consumption, the electricity-saving potential exceeds the potential for both water saving and gas saving.,Previous studies rarely focused on the energy-saving potential, while considering environmental pollution. This paper applies a novel DEA method to evaluate the energy-saving potential of 30 Chinese provinces for 2015 with a focus on emission reduction concerns. Furthermore, both regional differences and energy type differences of the saving potential were analyzed.

Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) through coastal afforestation in South-Central Coast of Bangladesh

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to focus on the local-level initiatives through coastal afforestation, the natural and socio-economic context of the study area (Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali District, Bangladesh) and the adaptation and DRR strategies generated through coastal afforestation in coastal Bangladesh.,Field observations, focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews, and transects were accomplished in both the dry and wet season. Spatial database generated and land use mapping integrated social and technical investigation. Five FDG sessions with participants from different livelihood options (fishermen, farmers and social representatives) were organised and, on average, 15~18 participants participated in each participatory session.,Mangrove plantation can be used to access new land and create alternative livelihoods, which are important for local community adaptation and to reduce disaster risks. Mangrove plantations provide chances for new land management options to be developed for use in Bangladesh.,This study was conducted only at the south-central coastal district of Bangladesh. Data collection to summarise all the socio-economic issues is limited.,This paper can be used for the integration of geospatial and social research techniques to understand the community approach to fight against climate change-induced impacts.,The research is solely conducted by the authors. The conducted approach is a blend of social and technical knowledge and techniques in generating community resilience at the south-central coast of Bangladesh.

Critical success factors for sustainable construction: a literature review

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to synthesize and evaluate the available literature with respect to critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainable construction (SC).,A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken to assist in the identification of the most pertinent papers from three publishers: Emerald, Elsevier and Wiley. The literature findings were assessed and presented relative to publication, author and contents as determined by review.,The SLR was conducted using a number of search criteria. A final set of 31 publications were detected for further examination. The characteristics in terms of publications, authors and contents of the extracted publication set were examined and discussed. A total of 35 factors were identified, distributed in five research categories. The frequency of the extracted factors within the publication set was investigated and enabled valuable quantitative and qualitative observations of current trends for SC. Interestingly, all research categories were represented in the top-counted factors, demonstrating a holistic perception of SC. Given the publication set, in most aspects, the research area examined seems to demonstrate features of an emerging field, which is not yet well established.,SLR cannot ensure that all pertinent publications were identified, because it was tailored to a number of search criteria, although certain actions were taken to moderate this limitation. However, the outcome adequately identifies trends and offers valuable information and knowledge for SC and its successful implementation.,The present study presents a broad list of factors for SC, integrated from a variety of disciplines and stakeholders. The findings, therefore, provide a valuable reference for both construction professionals and practitioners attempting to implement SC. Furthermore, the list can be of use to academic scholars for further empirical work and basis for future research.

Regional economic empowerment through oil palm economic institutional development

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is sixfold: first, to know the ability of area carrying capacity to the development of downstream oil palm industry; second, to know the potential for the development of downstream oil palm industry in efforts to improve the community through employment and business opportunities in the regions; third, to find eco-friendly institutional arrangement strategies of oil palm farming in order to spur economic growth and development; fourth, to formulate strategies for potential environmental impact as a result of institutional arrangement and development of downstream oil palm industry, both in regional and national scope; fifth, to predict the economic multiplier effect as impact of institutional arrangement and development of oil-palm-based downstream industry; and sixth, to include production centers and development areas of oil-palm-based downstream industry in potential areas.,Research location was in potential areas of oil palm plantation development, either in the form of plasma through state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and private-owned enterprises (BUMS), or in the form of self-supporting by community. The research locations were divided into two parts, namely the land area and the coastal area. The land area of Riau consisted of Kampar, Rokan Hulu and Kuantan Singingi Regency, while the coastal area of Riau consisted of Pelalawan, Siak, Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Indragiri Hulu and Rokan Hilir Regency. Both research areas had different productivity which was caused by differences in soil fertility. The required data were primary and secondary data.,Plantation activities have increased the mobility of goods in the villages, causing plantation activities to also open business and employment opportunities for people who are able to accept these opportunities. Since post-1998 crisis, the growth of oil palm plantation area in Riau increased sharply, namely in 1998, the area of oil palm plantations was 901,276 ha, in 2012, 1,119,798 ha and increased to 2,103,175 ha at the end of 2017. Through economic activities that produce goods and services required during the plantation process and the development, downstream industries will have backward linkages. The development of oil palm plantations in Riau has had an impact on economic activities in rural areas. The result of the research in the field is that the average income of farmers in the plantation subsector (especially oil palm) is Rp4,576,696 per month or $5,781.09 per year. The impact on investment in the estate subsector has been felt by rural communities. This condition also affects the purchasing power of the people, resulting in the increase of mobility of goods and people. During the period 2009–2016, rural communities enjoyed a high level of prosperity. During this period, the price of fresh fruit bunch at the farm level was quite profitable. On the other hand, the production of the plantation area also increased compared to the previous period. The impact of rising prices and increasing production of farmers is that the farmers’ welfare index in the countryside had a positive value of 0.43. This index showed the increase of farmers’ welfare from the previous period by 43 percent.,There are few previous studies which have comprehensively and specifically reviewed the regional economic empowerment through institutional arrangement and development of oil-palm-based downstream industry. The development of oil palm plantations aims to eliminate poverty and underdevelopment, especially in rural areas. In addition, it also pays attention to equity. In broad sense, agricultural development which is based on plantations aims to improve the welfare of the community so that there is a change in the pattern of life of the surrounding community. On the other hand, the success of plantation development that is based on oil palm agribusiness is expected to reduce income inequality between community groups and between regions.

Environmental quality and energy import dynamics: The tourism perspective of the Coastline Mediterranean Countries (CMCs)

Abstract: The geographical location and the ambiance of the Coastline Mediterranean Countries (CMCs) advantageously present the region as a tourist destination with rich cultures. The paper aims to discuss this issue.,As such, this study investigates the dynamics of energy import and environmental quality in relation to international tourism development for nine CMCs over the period 1995–2013 using a pooled mean group approach.,Although the impacts of energy import, CO2 (here as environmental quality) and GDP on international tourism receipts are observed to be significant and negative, international tourist arrival expectedly exerts positive and significant impact, all at the adjustment speed of 0.19. A heterogeneously robust Granger non-causality test further reveals a strong one-directional causal relationship from energy import to tourism receipts.,The dynamics of the energy market amidst persistent evolution of new source(s) of energy would evidently play a significant role in the region’s tourism sector. It then suggests policy direction to governments of the region and by extension the global tourism market.,By providing insight into the nexus of environment, energy and tourism development, the current study is the first that addresses the concern in the context of the CMCs.

Sustainable supply chain management practices and performance: An integrated perspective from a developing economy

Abstract: Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is a relatively new sub-field of supply chain management (SCM). The performance of SSCM is based on the triple bottom line approach encompassing people-planet-profit, hence being defined not in only in social and environmental terms, but also the economic. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated study which uses antecedent-practices-performance principles in order to determine the drivers of SSCM practices, and the impact of these practices on sustainable supply chain performance. The importance of the study lies in the fact that the Indian Government is making significant efforts to boost the manufacturing sector, and sustainability is among the significant imperatives for Indian manufacturing to be competitive globally.,A conceptual model based on the antecedents-practices-performance principles was developed, and included six constructs identified from the literature: the drivers being the motivators of sustainability, lean management (LM) and supply management (SM), the practices were the environmental and social practices in the supply chain and, finally, the sustainable supply chain performance; eight hypotheses were conceived in the model development process. The survey instrument was conceptualised from an in-depth study of literature and was employed to conduct a survey of 211 operations and supply chain managers and functional heads from the Indian manufacturing industry. The scales were validated by employing the confirmatory factor analysis, followed by structural equation modelling to develop the structural relationships between the constructs using Amos 20.0.,The results of the SEM suggest that the antecedents, i.e. motivators, LM and SM, have a significant bearing on environmental and social practices in the SCM; these practices, in turn, also have a positive relationship with SSCM performance (except the relationship between LM and social practices in SCM) with acceptable goodness-of-fit measures. Thus out of the eight hypotheses, seven can be said to statistically significant.,In addition to the motivators of sustainability, the study based on extant literature has considered LM and SM among the drivers of sustainability in SCM. The study has also identified that in earlier studies, the focus has been on environmental practices, and this integrated study has also included social practices in the supply chain.,This study suggests that sustainability performance may also be realised through lean and SM principles; an integrated perspective has been adopted with the consideration of both environmental and social practices. Further, the proposed model represents a novel integration of literature from diverse domains such as environmental management, business ethics and corporate social responsibility as well as performance management.

Enablers of sustainable industrial ecosystem: framework and future research directions

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to dig out enablers of sustainable industrial ecosystem to develop a framework. Design/methodology/approach To test the framework statistically, a structured questionnaire was designed. Measures for the questionnaire were adopted from an extensive literature review. Further, the questionnaire was pretested and further pilot study was conducted. Adding to this, the reliability and validity of the constructs was examined using confirmatory factor analysis followed by covariance-based structural equation modeling to test research hypotheses. Findings The statistical analyses suggest that the model exceeds the threshold limit for goodness of fit after undergoing through few iterations. Normative pressure has a low effect than rest of the factors. Originality/value The present study is a unique contribution in terms of its theoretical implications and practical use. Finally, research findings are concluded and further research directions is outlined.

Climate change, responsible leadership and organizational commitment: An experience from Egypt

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to focus on physicians in the four public hospitals located in the October province of Egypt in an attempt to explore the effect of climate change on physicians’ affective, continuance and normative commitment with and without mediating the role of responsible leadership.,A total of 360 physicians were contacted and all of them received a set of questionnaires. After two follow-ups, a total of 240 responses were collected with a response rate of 66.67 percent. Multiple regressions were employed to show how much variation in affective, continuance and normative commitment can be explained by climate change with and without the mediation of responsible leadership.,The findings show a statistically negative effect for climate change on physicians’ three approaches of organizational commitment (affective, continuance and normative). Furthermore, the statistical analysis proved that having responsible leaders in hospitals has a negligible effect on the relationship between climate change and the affective, continuance and normative commitment.,This paper contributes by filling a gap in environment and organization literature, in which empirical studies on the relationship between climate change and organizational commitment have been limited until now.

Sustainable business and environment management

Abstract: Singh, S. K. (2019). Sustainable business and environment management. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 30(1), 2-4.

Factors influencing environment and human health by cement industry: Pakistan a case in point

Abstract: Purpose Cement industry for both developed and developing countries is important from the economic point of view. It is playing a vital role in economic development of a developing country like Pakistan. However, these industries are posing threat to the environment, human health and plant species. The purpose of this paper is to identify the most critical factors of cement industry that have a negative impact on the environment, human health and plant species in the context of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The factors are categorized into air pollution, noise pollution, soil pollution, human health and plant species. These factors are categorized on the basis of previous literature and environmental safety reports. Air pollution is caused by iron and sulphur while noise pollution is mainly caused by crusher room and rotatory kiln end. The soil is being polluted by zinc and lead while human health and plant species are being damaged by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. For the analysis purpose, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, i.e., decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is used. Findings The result shows that the major cause of air pollution is “sulphur” while “crusher room and rotatory kiln end” are responsible for noise pollution. On the other hand, “mercury” is responsible for causing soil pollution while human health and plant species are influenced by the toxic effect of “nitrogen dioxide.” Research limitations/implications The results obtained are specific to cement manufacturing industry of Pakistan and cannot be generalized for any other manufacturing sector. Practical implications The proposed methodology shows the most critical factors toward which concertation should be given for mitigating their impact. This study will help the government and the cement industry to focus on all those elements that are the most responsible for causing different types of pollution. Originality/value No such work is reported in previous research that proposes a framework using DEMATEL technique for analysis of critical factors of cement industries that have a dangerous impact on the environment and human health, especially in a developing country, like Pakistan.