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Percorrer Departamento de Ciências da Engenharia e da Arquitectura por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "12:Produção e Consumo Sustentáveis"
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- Addressing climate change education: relevant contributions from universitiesPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Sow, Baba Libasse; Perlin, Ana Paula; Mbah, Marcellus Forh; Costa, Cristina Amaro da; Azam, Fardous Mohammad Safiul; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaPurpose: This study aims to identify and describe the nature of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) engagement with climate change (CC) education, exploring their contributions to addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with the phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach: By using a dual methodological approach consisting of an expert-driven literature review with supporting cases, the study provides a novel perspective of university involvement in CC education, emphasising theoretical insights and practical applications. Findings: The study asserts that universities contribute significantly to CC education through the development of specialised teaching programmes, innovative research initiatives and the establishment of interdisciplinary collaborations. However, challenges abound, including limited financial resources, institutional inertia and the complexity of integrating CC topics across diverse academic disciplines. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, implementing innovative teaching methodologies and strengthening governance frameworks, universities can further enhance the effectiveness and reach of CC education initiatives. Research limitations/implications: While the study offers valuable insights, it acknowledges potential limitations, including the scope of example studies and the specificity of findings to certain institutional contexts, which impedes generalisation. Avenues for further research to understand university contributions to CC education have been advanced. Practical implications: The paper provides practical insights for universities to optimise their engagement in CC education, emphasising the mobilisation of student involvement and the promotion of transdisciplinary approaches, amongst others. Social implications: While emphasising the role of universities in CC education, the study underscores the broader societal impact of informed and engaged HEIs to drive positive change by instilling awareness and promoting sustainable practices. Originality/value: The findings offer original perspectives on the importance of university engagement in CC education and provide practical measures for optimising their contribution to a sustainable future via pedagogical, programme and strategic/whole institutional levels.
- Circular economy implementation challenges for achieving SDG 12Publication . Leal Filho, Walter; Shollo, Fran; Sidsaph, Henry; Motta, Wladmir; Rampasso, Izabela Simon; Fonseca Albuquerque Cavalcanti Sigahi, Tiago; Anholon, Rosley; MEIRIÑO, MARCELO; Campos, Lucila Maria de Souza; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaDespite the relevance of Circular Economy (CE) and the Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) and the growing body of literature on the CE and SDG 12, there remains a significant research gap in systematically linking theoretical barriers to CE implementation with practical, industry-specific examples that demonstrate how these barriers impede progress toward SDG 12 targets. In this context, this paper explores the multifaceted challenges impeding the transition to a CE and its potential to contribute to SDG 12. There is a perceived need to address the challenges associated with the implementation of SDG 12. To analyse these challenges, this study uses two methods of analysis. The first was a critical analysis of the literature describing the challenges in achieving SDG 12. The second method consisted of assessing three case studies of companies from different sectors. The evidence gathered led to the listing of specific measures that may be implemented to address current challenges, including greater stakeholders´ integration, policy innovation, and consumer engagement. By identifying key barriers and proposing strategic solutions, this paper provides valuable insights that may enhance the implementation of CE principles, ultimately facilitating progress for meeting SDG 12 and fostering a sustainable future. Therefore, the present research moves beyond general descriptions of CE barriers and offers a practical roadmap for policymakers and businesses. It highlights the specific challenges that must be addressed to achieve measurable progress in resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption patterns as outlined by the 2030 Agenda.
- Evaluating the role of digital technologies in enhancing warehouse efficiencyPublication . Perkumienė, Dalia; Samuolaitis, Mindaugas; Hasanov, Jamil; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Safaa, Larbi; Leal Filho, Walter; Perkumienė, Dalia; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaThis article evaluates the role of digital technologies in enhancing warehouse efficiency, using Amazon as a case study. Over the past few years, the corporation has been using its new technology capabilities to create digital solutions that increase operational efficiency. Digital technology offers significant advantages in areas including accuracy, productivity, information sharing, and inventory control. Therefore, the study’s primary goal is to assess the digitalization solutions that enhance Amazon’s warehouse operations. For this work, a qualitative research methodology was employed, and data was gathered via SWOT analysis and semi-structured interviews. Seven Amazon employees involved in warehouse operations participated in the study. Warehouse management systems (WMS), RFID technology, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors, robotics (such Kiva robots), machine learning, and cloud platforms are some of the important digital tools utilized in Amazon’s warehouse operations. The implementation of these technologies led to a 99% increase in inventory accuracy, a 60% reduction in error rates, a 30% decrease in labor dependency, and a 25% reduction in order picking time. In addition, online data tracking was enhanced, particularly using RFID and IoT tools, which increased decision-making speed and accuracy. Staff training issues, incompatibility with outdated systems, and brief technological hiccups were among the obstacles to digitization. However, the total advantages of modernizing an organization and integrating new technology into its structure outweigh all of these, according to research participants. Under headings like artificial intelligence and machine learning, the reviewers claim that the digitization process has significantly improved a company’s warehouse operations.
- Governance in the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals in higher education: global trendsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Abubakar, Ismaila Rimi; mifsud, Mark; Henrique, João Paulino Pires Eustachio; Albrecht, Clarissa Ferreira; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Borsari, Bruno; Sharifi, Ayyoob; Levesque, Vanessa; Ribeiro, Priscilla Cristina Cabral; LeVasseur, Todd J.; Pace, Paul; Trevisan, Laís; Dibbern, Thais AparecidaGovernance is a key component for implementing sustainable development (SD) initiatives in university teaching, research, and projects. This line of thinking also applies to implementing the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). Despite the role of governance in guiding processes related to the SDGs, few studies have examined these relations in an integrative manner in higher education. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study assesses the connections between governance and implementing the SDGs at higher education institutions (HEIs). Specifically, it relies on two main methods. The first is a bibliometric analysis, where the literature on the topic has been analyzed. The second method uses case studies from a sample of universities. The combined dual approach has identified the extent to which governance issues influence how these organizations perceive and handle the SDGs. The study provides valuable recommendations that may assist HEIs in implementing the SDGs with a due emphasis on governance.
- PrefacePublication . Safaa, Larbi; Leal Filho, Walter; Perkumienė, Dalia; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Safaa, Larbi; Leal Filho, Walter; Perkumienė, Dalia; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta
- Sustainable generative AI and quantum computing: review assessment on the environmental impact of generative AI and quantum technologiesPublication . Esho, Esther Oreofeoluwa; Akinyelu, Andronicus Ayobami; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaThe rapid advancement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Quantum Computing (QC) presents transformative opportunities, yet their high computational requirements raise concerns about their environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review examines the ecological footprint of both technologies, focusing on key metrics like energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource depletion. Findings from existing studies consistently indicate that the impact of GenAI is mostly driven by the immense energy demands of large-scale model training and inference. Moreover, findings from the review reveal that the footprint of QC largely stems from the energy-intensive cryogenic cooling and rare material requirements of its specialized hardware. This paper benchmarks current approaches to environmental assessment, highlighting the important role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in providing a holistic view of the classification of environmental impacts across the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to disposal. This study proposes a range of domain-specific mitigation strategies, including algorithmic optimizations like pruning and distillation for AI, and cryogenic and material sourcing improvements for quantum systems. This study also proposes a framework for proactive, responsible innovation and identifies some gaps in the literature, such as the lack of standardized metrics and transparent reporting. There is a need to embed eco-conscious principles in the design of future technologies and highlight opportunities where these technologies can be used to handle broader climate challenges. The findings in this study can be used by policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in aligning technological progress with global climate and sustainability goals.
- Tourism, sustainability and innovation: low-tech roots and high-tech horizonsPublication . Safaa, Larbi; Leal Filho, Walter; Perkumienė, Dalia; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Safaa, Larbi; Leal Filho, Walter; Perkumienė, Dalia; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaToday, tourism offers a privileged perspective to explore the relationships between sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. This volume, Tourism, Sustainability and Innovation: Low-Tech Roots and High-Tech Horizons (part of the World Sustainability Series), includes contributions from scholars with 23 different nationalities (Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom). This diversity reflects the richness of perspectives included in the book, encompassing around fifteen different case studies and country contexts, analyzed through a variety of cultural, economic, and institutional lenses. Collectively, the chapters open a dialogue on how to reconcile practices deeply rooted in local territories with the emerging horizons shaped by new technologies. Central to the theme of Tourism, Sustainability and Innovation: Low-Tech Roots and High-Tech Horizons is a creative tension: how do we embrace the authenticity of local practices, traditional “know-how” and cultural resources, often carriers of resilience and ‘low-tech’ sustainability, while purposely bringing in the digital, intelligent, automated solutions that are transforming tourism today? The difficulty is not to play past against future, but to think about how innovation can keep hold of tourism’s human, social and territorial roots, and at the same time, open new possibilities. From this point of view, notably, we can ask: How can tourism experiences be meaningfully inclusive? How can digital transformation add to our focus on sustainability? And how can technology be deployed not for itself alone, but as a lever for destinations, communities, and stakeholders across the industry? This book is important because it redefines innovation in tourism beyond just high-tech solutions. It promotes a balanced approach that values basic "low-tech" sustainable practices, like community-based models and resource conservation. At the same time, it shows the rôle of advanced "high-tech" tools, such as AI and big data. By connecting this often-neglected range, it offers a complete and practical framework for building a truly sustainable tourism sector. It serves as a necessary guide to ensure that innovation supports the larger goals of environmental responsibility, social fairness, and lasting resilience. The book is structured around six main sections, each reflecting a key thematic axis of contemporary tourism research. The first section, Vulnerability, Rights and Sustainable Pathways in Tourism, highlights institutional transitions, multi-level governance, legal protections, and the need for more equitable and resilient destinations. The second section, New Trends in Technology, Digitalization and Innovation in Tourism, examines neuro-tourism, smart technologies, digital platforms such as Booking.com and Instagram, public digitalization, logistics optimization, and issues related to data protection, privacy and ethics. The third section, Tourism Destinations: Image, Perceptions, and Governance, explores destination image, emotional connections, social media dynamics, urban environments, and the e-reputation of cities including Essaouira, Marrakech, Makkah and Jeddah. The fourth section, Tourism, Heritage and Cultural Resources, focuses on cultural and intangible heritage, creative and art tourism, gastronomy, value systems in online reviews, and legal perspectives on medical tourism. The fifth section, Entrepreneurship, Career Dynamics and Organizational Transformation in Tourism, addresses community participation, professional trajectories in the hotel sector, digital transformation in organizations, and legal dimensions of transportation and accommodation. Finally, the sixth section, Tourist Experiences and Behavioral Perspectives, examines rural tourism experiences, tourist expenditures, senior well-being, urban mobility, leisure infrastructures, and issues of personal data protection in the age of artificial intelligence.