thesis on sustainability

• How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

20 Dissertation Topics on Sustainability and Green Technology

Published by Carmen Troy at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On May 17, 2024

Introduction

Looking for interesting and manageable topics on sustainability and green technology for your dissertation or thesis? Well, you have come to the right place.

The subject of sustainability, green technology, and environmental friendliness has gained tremendous importance over the last few years – thanks to the ever-increasing pollution, climate change, and high production costs throughout the world.

Without wasting any more of your time, here are the 20+ dissertation topic ideas in this trendy field so you can choose the one that is not only intriguing but also manageable for you.

These topics have been developed by PhD writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the topic, research question, aim and objectives, literature review, and the proposed methodology of research to be conducted. Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics here.

Latest Research Topics on Sustainability and Green Technology

Topic 1: the role of artificial intelligence (ai) and green technology in the develpment of smart and sustainable towns.

Research Aim: This study intends to find the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology in developing smart and sustainable towns. It will review the concepts of smart and sustainable towns to show their importance in the modern era to reduce global warming. Then it will assess the role of AI by analysing various machine learning and deep learning models to show how these models can help develop smart and sustainable towns. Lastly, it will review what work has already been done in this area and what should be done.

Topic 2: Impact of Research and Development (R&D) Expenditure in Green Technology on the Sustainability Outcomes of the Construction Industry- A Case of Malaysian Construction Industry

Research Aim: This study intends to analyse the impact of research and revelopment (R&D) expenditure on green technology on the sustainability outcomes of the construction industry in Malaysia. It will review the current green technology used in the Malaysian construction industry and its development. Moreover, it will show how the construction industry is spending to develop new green technology and how much it requires to make it completely sustainable. It will also identify various national and international sources which can invest in this industry to make it more sustainable.

Topic 3: What are the Motivating and Demotivating Factors for Green Supply Chain Practices? An Exploratory Study Finding the Factors Affecting Green Supply Chain Practices in the UK

Research Aim: This research will identify various motivating and demotivating factors (return on green investment, production output, local and global competitiveness, political support, international support, investor support, etc.) for green supply chain practices. It will study various industries in the UK, such as construction, hotel industry, retail industry, etc., find out how the abovementioned factors affected their interest in green technology and green supply chain practices. Moreover, it will assess the work done in this area and how various institutions can motivate these industries.

Topic 4: Influence of Green Advertising on the Consumer View of Green Technology and Sustainability in the US

Research Aim: This study shows the impact of green advertising on the consumer perception of green technology and sustainability. It will assess how various components of green advertising work and how they affect the consumer perception of the need for green technology. Moreover, it will analyse different green advertising strategies used by companies in the US to influence consumer perception and how these strategies can be improved to make US consumers more interested in the products, which are products of an environment-friendly production process.

Topic 5: Green Economy a Necessity? Impact of Green Technology on Sustainable Economic Growth and Development- A Case of ASEAN Economies

Research Aim: It proposes a framework to analyse the impact of green technology on sustainable economic growth and development. It will show whether the green economy is essential for growth and development or not. It will assess various effects of green technology on the economy and ecology. And show how improving ecology can benefit human development, which can be good for long-term economic growth in the ASEAN countries. Lastly, it will analyse the current progress of these countries in creating a green economy.

Topic 6: The Potential of Biomimicry in Green Technology Innovation

Research Aim: This research explores and evaluates the potential applications of biomimicry principles in driving innovation within green technology. The purpose of the study is to enhance sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental conservation.

Topic 7: Circular Economy and its Application in Achieving Sustainability Targets

Research Aim: This study investigates the concept of the circular economy and its practical implementation strategies. It focuses on the effectiveness of the circular economy in facilitating the achievement of sustainability targets across various industries and sectors.

Topic 8: Sustainable Water Management in the Era of Climate Change

Research Aim: This research examines the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable water management in the context of climate change. The study identifies effective strategies, technologies, and policies to ensure resilient and equitable access to clean water resources while mitigating the impacts of climate variability and extreme events.

Topic 9: The Role of Information Technology in Advancing Sustainability Initiatives

Research Aim: This study investigates the multifaceted role of information technology (IT) in advancing sustainability initiatives across various sectors. It explores how IT innovations, such as big data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things), blockchain, and AI (Artificial Intelligence), can contribute to enhancing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable development goals.

Topic 10: Corporate Social Responsibility and Green Technology Adoption: A Case Study Analysis

Research Aim: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive case study analysis to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and the adoption of green technologies within organisations. It examines understanding the motivations and outcomes associated with integrating sustainability initiatives into corporate strategies and operations.

Topic 11: Impact of Smart Grid Technologies for Sustainable Energy Management

Research Aim: This research assesses the impact of smart grid technologies on sustainable energy management. The study focuses on understanding how the integration of advanced grid infrastructure, renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and demand-side management techniques contributes to increasing energy efficiency, grid reliability, and environmental sustainability.

COVID-19 Sustainability and Green Technology Research Topics

Topic 1: covid-19 and the need to expand sustainable energy.

Research Aim: It’s high time to expand sustainable energy during COVID-19.

Topic 2: COVID-19 and the environment

Research Aim: This study will focus on the positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 on the environment.

Topic 3: Economic expenditure on the green environment during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will review the economic expenditure and plans for the green environment during COVID-19.

Topic 4: The green economy after COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will analyse the current issues related to green technology and predict the future of a green environment after COVID-19.

Dissertation Topics Ideas on Sustainability and Green Technology on Global Impact

Topic 1: research on sustainable gardens.

Research Aim: This research aims to conduct research on creating sustainable gardens and identify their benefits.

Topic 2: Sustainable outdoor designs using recycled materials

Research Aim: This research aims to identify various methods of creating sustainable outdoor designs using recycled materials and identify their benefits.

Topic 3: Pollution-free disposal and recycling of trash

Research Aim: This research aims to identify various methods to ensure pollution-free disposal and recycling of trash

Topic 4: Importance of gardening- awareness and ideas for the city, terrace/roof gardening

Research Aim: This research aims to address the importance of gardening and its awareness among the public. It will also focus on identifying cost-effective and innovative ideas for the city, as well as terrace/roof gardening.

Topic 5: Examining the economic impacts of green technology

Research Aim: The research will involve comparing the costs incurred in developing green energy and the economic benefits. The services will be saved once alternative forms of materials and energy sources are used. It will be relevant in identifying whether it is worth investing in green technology from an economic perspective. It will also help in developing supportive policies that guide green technology.

Topic 6: How do national and regional politics affect environmental sustainability?

Research Aim: This research study will analyse the role of politics in the environment. It will explore the positive or negative impacts of individual political inclinations.

Topic 7: How sustainable is the environment in the current and forthcoming eras?

Research Aim: This research will analyse global trends and their impacts on environmental trends. Developments such as increasing population, climate change, and using various materials affect the people. It will inform about how sustainability measures can be structured to align with the trends.

Topic 8: Adoption of green energy by low-end users

Research Aim: The research will be based on realising a market niche that cannot afford or are not willing to spend on an expensive product. Additionally, the embrace of some advanced technologies varies across classes, mainly based on exposure. There is also the notion that green technology can be expensive, making the stated users reluctant to use it. Accordingly, the research will focus on the factors that give users their respective levels of green technology use.

Topic 9: How green technology can affect organisational processes

Research Aim: This research will analyse how processes that can include procuring and sourcing, producing, sales, marketing, and delivering products, among others, can be impacted once green technology is introduced. It will help analyse cost and time effectiveness and the satisfaction of the organisation’s stakeholders. It can help recommend structural changes when an organisation is considering green technology.

Topic 10: To what extent does green technology contribute to environmental sustainability?

Research Aim: notably, several factors are contributing to environmental degradation and pollution. While green technology has been identified in previous research to ensure sustainability, its contribution can be compared with other factors. Accordingly, recommendations can be made about whether it is the absolute solution to sustainability.

Topic 11: Green technology and global environmental sustainability frameworks

Research Aim: The study will assess how the frameworks affect the use of green technology. Various global environmental practices are commonly developed. The research will suggest any amendments to the frameworks to positively correlate them with green technology. Also, the topic will evaluate how the frameworks are implemented in various regions.

Topic 12: Green technology practices in developing countries

Research Aim: The research will explore the extent to which developing countries use and promote green technology. They are characterised by having a lower economy. The priority they have on sustainability will be established.

Topic 13: How do policies affect the use of green technology in a country?

Research Aim: The research acknowledges that regulatory bodies devise policies to guide various industries. The guidelines can be supportive or suppressive in the development and use of green technology. For instance, the bodies’ incentives can encourage green technology, while factors like high taxation can discourage it. Therefore, focusing on a particular country’s policies can be insightful into the level at which the technology is incorporated.

Topic 14: Incentives for green technology and environmental sustainability

Research Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine how green technology can be promoted among users and manufacturers. It will first identify the challenges that users can face when using and applying the technology. It will also evaluate the level of sensitisation about green technology that people in a region have. The various stakeholders can execute the incentives for environmental sustainability.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

More Research Titles on Sustainability and Green Technology

Topic 1: what roles do ngos have in environmental sustainability and green technology.

Research Aim: The research will establish how NGOs can be incorporated into sustainability. NGOs have distinct objectives. While some are specific to environmental conservation, others focus on aspects that indirectly affect the environment positively or negatively. The study will then suggest how the NGOs can be motivated to advance their operations and promote green technology.

Topic 2: Impactful green thinking to achieve sustainability

Research Aim: The research analyses human behaviour and issues that can promote sustainability. It explores how people can change their perspective on the environment and take measures at individual and collective levels. It will recommend some habitual changes that can positively impact the environment.

Topic 3: A holistic approach to environmental sustainability

Research Aim: Sustainability comprises various factors, ranging from behavioural, resources, technological, and procedural. Most studies have focused on particular sets of characteristics. However, it can be intriguing how integrating sustainability factors can be achieved. Also, it will be realised if implementing some measures of sustainability has any correlation to others.

Topic 4: Can there be a balance between lifestyle and green technology?

Research Aim: the study will assess the relationship between current lifestyle and green technology. It will be relevant in identifying the personal understanding of green technology’s contribution and how people are ready to adjust their lifestyle to technology. It will further show how green technology affects lifestyles.

Topic 5: How do businesses perceive green energy and environmental sustainability?

Research Aim: The research aims to identify how profit-making organisations approach green technology. It will focus on whether they find it less costly and useful. Also, it will establish whether they find products that involve green technology are usually marketable. Further, it will identify the organisation’s preference for the working environment, whether in regions that promote environmental sustainability or those that do not.

Topic 6: Examining sustainability policies in developed and developing countries

Research Aim: The research will compare regulations instituted in the two sets of countries. It will also assess the extent of implementation of the policies in the countries.

Topic 7: Challenges facing green technology as one of the drivers towards sustainability

Research Aim: The research will be based on green technology recognition as a crucial attribute of environmental sustainability. Despite the assertion, the technology has not attained universal coverage as it would be more impactful. The challenges can vary in economic, social, geographical, and regulatory aspects, and it is recommended that the research focus on a particular region. The results can also be analysed if there is a conflict of to identify any general challenges in the areas.

Topic 8: What is the consumer perspective towards green production?

Research Aim: Businesses target to satisfy the needs of consumers. The study will assess whether the consumer has a force towards producers that can make the latter inclined towards using green technology. This research study will essentially focus on the consumables industry.

Topic 9: Stakeholders’ contribution to green technology

Research Aim: The research will establish all the stakeholders in green energy. It will reveal their interests and drivers towards green technology. There will be an insight into whether there is a conflict of interest between the stakeholders and how it can be resolved. It will also help identify how the stakeholders can collaborate and integrate their resources and ideas.

Topic 10: Current trends in green technology and the future of technology

Research Aim: the research will aim to overview how green energy has been advancing over time. The trend will then help in predicting the future of green technology. Besides, it will be informative about the contribution green energy has had on environmental sustainability at various levels. It will then make recommendations about the optimum technology based on the available information and developments.

Also Read: Dissertation Topics in Engineering Management

How ResearchProspect Can Help You?

We are aware of the problems students are likely to face when it comes to finding a suitable topic in sustainability and green technology. Therefore our expert writers are always looking forward to assisting you with your topic search.

We hope you were able to find a suitable topic from the 20+ topic suggestions in green technology and sustainability provided in this article. But even if you didn’t find any of these topics suitable for your needs, you can always contact us to get custom topic ideas from our expert writers.

Our team of expert writers in any field you would like your work to be carried out in will facilitate you and ensure you get the grades that you are worthy of and deserve.

Important Notes:

As a student of sustainability and green technology looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing sustainability and green technology theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

Sustainability and green technology are vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like environmental engineering . That is why it is imperative to create a sustainability and green technology dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your fundamental research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your issue wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best sustainability and green technology dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalising your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample sustainability and green technology dissertation topics to get an idea for your dissertation.

How to Structure Your Dissertation on Sustainability & Green Technology

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and binding terms, which can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : The findings of the research are analysed in detail in the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : This should be completed following your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

About ResearchProspect Ltd

ResearchProspect is a  UK-based academic writing service  that provides help with  Dissertation Proposal Writing ,  PhD. Proposal Writing ,  Dissertation Writing ,  Dissertation Editing, and Improvement .

Our team of writers is highly qualified. They are experts in their respective fields. They have been working for us for a long time. Thus, they are well aware of the issues and the trends of the subject they specialise in.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find sustainability and green technology dissertation topics.

For sustainability and green technology dissertation topics:

• Research recent environmental challenges.
• Explore innovative green solutions.
• Examine policy and industry trends.
• Analyse potential socio-economic impacts.
• Focus on interdisciplinary approaches.
• Select a topic resonating with your passion and expertise.

You May Also Like

Property, land, buildings, air rights, underground rights, and underground rights are examples of real estate. Academics recognize the importance of real estate as a driver of the economy. This field will be encountered by college and university students studying business-related courses.

Japanese Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field focusing on Japan’s language, history, culture, and society. It is an invaluable resource for researchers who seek to gain a comprehensive understanding of the country’s past and present.

For any company and organisation, one of the most important yet sensitive assets is its information. Therefore, it is essential to keep the data secured from getting stolen and avoid getting it used for malicious activities.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

• DSpace@MIT Home
• MIT Libraries
• Graduate Theses

Sustainability in architecture

Other Contributors

Terms of use, description, date issued, collections.

Show Statistical Information

• Green Office Model online course
• Case studies
• Membership Programme for Green Offices
• Ambassador Track
• Green Office Alumni Network
• GOM Sustainability Network
• Vision of the Movement

80 sustainability research topics for students to explore green campus issues

You’re planning your thesis, paper or capstone? You want to do a student research project with impact. We have outlined a range of sustainability research topics for you. The list specifically focuses on how to green your campus . Take action to make your university more sustainable!

Our list of sustainability research topics helps students investigate green campus issues.

Sustainability research topics: Education

Some sustainability research topics on education for sustainable development :

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different definitions of sustainability education? Which definition could your university adopt?
• To what extent is sustainability education already implemented in the curriculum of your university?
• What are the strengths and limitations of advancing sustainability education within your curriculum?
• Where does your university stand with regards to sustainability education compared to other institutions of higher education?
• What is the demand among students for more, different or better sustainability education?
• How can existing sustainability projects on campus be used for educational purposes, e.g. visit solar cells on rooftops as part of engineering classes?

​​Sign-up to the ​FREE online course to establish your Green Office

​ ​5 weeks. One email per week. Unsubscribe at any time. ​ ​ By signing up, you agree to our  data policy .

• What definition of sustainability research should your university embrace?
• To what extent is sustainability research already practised at your university?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the institution’s sustainability research portfolio compared to other institutions of higher education?
• What are the drivers of and barriers to sustainability research at your university?
• How could sustainability research help students to study sustainability issues on campus and inform practical change projects?
• What are the opportunities and costs associated with promoting sustainability research? What could a plan of action look like to strategically advance it?

Some sustainability research topics on community engagement and awareness:

• What are the perceptions of and attitudes towards sustainability by students and staff?
• What are ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
• To what extent are students and staff aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ?
• How aware are students and staff about the institution’s sustainability ambitions?
• What are the benefits and disadvantages of approaches to communicate the university’s sustainability efforts better?
• What are the challenges to involve students and staff in the university’s sustainability efforts?
• Which ways to increase the engagement of the campus community exist, for example by organising sustainability events ?

For inspiration, read our post on 10 projects to engage students on the SDGs .

Explore sustainability topics for research papers on different issues related to greening campus operations:

• What are the opportunities and costs of improving the building insulations to save energy?
• What lighting systems exist on the market that are more energy efficient?
• What would a business case look like to install a new lighting system?
• Where are the main consumers of energy on campus?
• What innovative energy technologies are developed at the institution itself? To what extent could those be directly installed and tested in buildings?
• What lux values are sufficient for work and study places so that places are appropriately lit without wasting too much electricity?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different sustainable building standards?
• Which building standards would be most appropriate to inform the institution’s sustainable building policy?
• What are the costs and benefits associated with different types of green roofs?
• On which buildings could green roofs be installed?
• To what extent are catering and food products certified as organic or fair trade food?
• How much and why do students attach importance to organic and fair trade products sold in the cafeteria?
• How can students and employees be made more aware of the multiple benefits – e.g. health, environment, economics – of sustainable (organic, fair trade, local) food ?
• How much are students willing to pay for more organic or fair trade products?
• What types and amounts of waste are produced by whom and where at the institution?
• How did waste streams develop over the last years?
• What are innovative practices in reducing waste going to landfill or incineration? How could those be applied?
• What are the costs and benefits associated with waste recycling ?
• What options exist to switch from paper-based to more digital forms of working and studying to reduce paper consumption?
• What are the environmental, economic, and social benefits and disadvantages of different options to advance more digital working and studying?

More sustainability research topics on campus operations:

Biodiversity

• What species live at different campus locations?
• To what extent do students, faculty and staff value this biodiversity?
• What are ways to enhance biodiversity on campus?

Greenhouse-gase (GHG)

• What are the pros and cons of different GHG accounting standards?
• Which standard should the institution use to develop a GHG emissions inventory ?
• Where are GHG emissions released at the institution?
• How big is the institution’s GHG footprint?

Procurement

• What does sustainable procurement mean in the context of a university?
• How is procurement currently organised? To what extent are sustainability criteria already applied in tenders?
• To what extent could the university implement sustainability criteria that go beyond the legal minimum to advance the environmental, economic and social benefits of tenders?
• What are the largest consumers of water?
• What is the direct and indirect water-footprint of the institution?
• What are opportunities and costs to reduce water usage?

Transportation and mobility

• How do students and staff currently travel to the university and as part of their study or work?
• What is the environmental impact of these travel behaviours? How could the impact be reduced?
• What best practices exist among companies and other institutions of higher education to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behaviours?

Behaviour change

• What is the potential to reduce resource consumption through behaviour change?
• What are the best practices of behaviour change interventions at institutions of higher education?
• To what extent could these projects be also applied at your university?

Sustainability research topics on governance, strategy and reporting

Sustainability research topics on governance issues:

• What does sustainability mean for institutions of higher education?
• How does a comprehensive concept of a sustainable institution of higher education look like?
• How could the university’s long-term sustainability vision look like? How could this vision be realized through a roadmap?
• What are innovative ways to develop sustainability strategies for a university through a bottom-up approach?
• What ethical imperatives would demand that institutions of higher education care for their impact on the planet, people and profit?
• What are the responsibilities of institutions of higher education to contribute to global challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change?

Monitoring and reporting

• What data is important to monitor the institution’s environmental impact? How can this data be collected and analysed?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different sustainability reporting standards?
• Which sustainability reporting standards should the university adhere to?
• What are efficient ways to organize sustainability reporting within the organization?
• What is the best way to communicate results among students, staff and outside actors?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies (e.g. payback or Net Present Value) to calculate the financial costs and benefits of sustainability investments?
• Which methodology should the institution apply?
• To what extent could sustainability projects be financed through a revolving loan fund?
• What are the possibilities to involve outside organizations through energy contracting?
• What subsidies are available at the European, national and city level to develop a green campus?
• How could the university use these financing options to advance its energy transition?
• What are approaches to integrate negative externalities into the accounting schemes of the university?
• What would be the opportunities, benefits and risks associated with establishing an energy company that’s owned by the university?
• What are the best practices to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at public institutions around the world?
• How can incentive schemes be changed so that energy end-users directly benefit from reductions in energy usage?

We hope this list inspired you to find a sustainability topic for research papers.

• 12 sustainability documentaries to educate yourself and get inspired
• Green guide: 15 tips for a sustainable student lifestyle
• 12 sustainability teaching resources about green campuses

Understanding the State of Supply Chain Sustainability

• Sustainability

The emphasis on sustainability within supply chains across industries has increased in recent years. Today, companies across the globe report on sustainability efforts and progress each year and set goals to reach ambitious environmental and social sustainability targets. This increased focus has prompted questions regarding how sustainability practices are interpreted and understood. How do different demographic groups (i.e., gender, language, location, age, and industry) interpret the current state of supply chain sustainability? Have the long-term implications of COVID-19 affected companies’ commitments to supply chain sustainability? Our analysis used response data from the 3rd Annual State of Supply Chain Management Survey and context gathered through supply chain executive interviews to answer the two main research questions. After slicing the survey response data into demographic categories – gender, age range, region, survey language translation, and industry – we performed non- parametric Mann-Whitney-U and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA tests to see if the different groups interpret sustainability commitments significantly differently. When testing within single demographics, results showed significant differences in responses by demographics. This seemed to explain some of the difference in how people interpreted supply chain sustainability; however, when isolating groups further, this became less apparent. Upon isolating the gender, age range, and location demographics by major industries, fewer responses showed significant differences. From this, we can conclude that comparisons of sustainability guidelines and practices should be industry-specific, rather than specific to other demographics such as gender, age, or location. Our capstone results could provide the basis for future research to understand the variations in how different groups of people interpret supply chain sustainability within the same company, industry, or outside of an organizational setting entirely.

Thesis Topics for Architecture :20 topics related to Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is the architecture that minimizes the negative environmental impact of buildings. It aims at solving the problems of society and the ecosystem. It uses a selective approach towards energy and the design of the built environment. Most often sustainability is being limited to the efficient water heater or using high-end technologies. It is more than that. It is sometimes about creating awareness among people and communities about how we can coexist in the natural environment. Sustainable architecture is a means to enter the context in a natural way, planning and deciding the materials before the construction that have very few negative effects on the environment. Here are 20 Thesis topics for architecture related to Sustainable Architecture:

1. Urban Park | Thesis Topics for Architecture

To make a city livable and sustainable, urban parks play a key role to provide a healthy lifestyle for the residents of the city. It provides transformative spaces for the congregation and community development . Public parks are very crucial within the cities because they are often the only major greenery source for the area.

2. Neighborhood Development

There is always a challenge to implement sustainable development at a very local level. Thus, urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and traffic congestion have made it necessary to look at problems at the basic level. In cities, there is an extra opportunity to develop a sustainable neighborhood that incorporates energy-efficient buildings, green materials, and social infrastructures.

3. Community Garden Design | Thesis Topics for Architecture

Community gardens are the latest trend for sustainable living in urban areas due to rising health issues in the cities. It helps promote farming as an activity where locals can also get involved in the activities and encourage them to use gardens as recreational spaces. The gardens assist in the sustainable development of urban areas.

4. Waste Recycling Center

Waste recycling centers can be one of the great thesis topics for architecture since waste recycling is always seen as a burden on the city. But it can be converted into an opportunity by incorporating its function and value into the urban fabric . Waste to energy plants or waste recycling centers can be integrated with public functions that engage communities.

5. Restoration of Heritage/Old Building

Building restoration is the process of correctly exposing the state of a historical building, as it was in the past with respecting its heritage value. India has many heritage buildings including forts, temples , buildings which are in deteriorated conditions and need to be restored. Thus, it helps to protect our heritage of the past.

6. Rehabilitation Housing | Thesis Topics for Architecture

Rehabilitation housing is temporary housing made to accommodate people who vacate the colonies that are required to redevelop. Rehabilitation housing also accommodates peoples who get affected by natural calamity and are displaced due to that.

7. Riverfront Development

The development of a riverfront improves the quality of built and unbuilt spaces while maintaining a river-city relationship. It provides an identity to the stretch of the land which can include the addition of cultural and recreational activities. Various public activities and spaces are incorporated to develop the life and ambiance on the riverfront which leads to the environment and economic sustainability.

8. SMART Village | Thesis Topics for Architecture

SMART village is a modern initiative to develop rural villages and provide them with basic amenities, education, health, clean drinking water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability. It aims to strengthen rural communities with new technologies and energy access.

9. Net-Zero Energy Building

A lot of energy goes into the building sector which can be reduced by incorporating energy-efficient techniques and innovations. The Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) produces as much energy as it consumes over the year, and sometimes more. NZEB can be applied to various typologies such as industrial, commercial, and residential. Due to emerging concerns over climate change, these buildings are a new trend nowadays.

10. Bermed Structure

The bermed structure is a structure that is built above ground or partially below the ground, with earth covering at least one wall. In extreme climatic conditions, a bermed structure protects from both heat and cold. The structure can be any typology be it residence, museum, or exhibition hall. These types of buildings are very energy efficient but extra care is needed to be given to waterproofing.

11. Regenerative Design

Regenerative design is active participation in engaging in the natural environment. It focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of a building on the natural surroundings through conservation and performance. While green building improves energy efficiency, the regenerative building improves the ecosystem as it will support habitats for living organisms.

12. Urban Agriculture Centre

Urban agriculture centers accommodate the space for cultivating, processing, and distribution of food in any urban area. The center helps to improve the quality of life and provides them healthy options to eat. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products through the center improves food safety. The center can also be made a learning hub for people to collaborate and share their knowledge of sustainable food production. It can create awareness and improve the eating habits of people.

13. Revitalizing Abandoned Mill or Industry

Mills and industries are an important aspect of developing an urban area. They invoke the image of industrial development, invention, and success in their times. Thus, by revitalizing the abandoned mill, one can preserve the city’s old fabric.

14. Eco-Tourism Center

Eco-tourism center caters to the need to maintain the ecosystem with least intervention on the life of plants and wildlife. It also provides responsible travel to the people to the natural areas. The center also consists of research laboratories, data analysis and conducts studies to spread awareness among the locals about the ecosystems.

15. The Revival of a Heritage Building

Revival is a process of improvement in the condition and fortunes of the building, without losing its traditional spirit. When we talk about sustainability, Heritage revival is not paid any proper attention. On the other hand, it has a great opportunity to improve our rich culture’s heritage. It can provide positive impacts on the well-being of society as well as economic development.

16.Adaptive Reuse of a Building

Adaptive reuse is a process of retrofitting old structures for new users but retaining their earlier integrity to meet the new needs of the occupants. Thus, the best thing or feel about the building is preserved and developed in a modified way. It gives a new life to the building and removes the need to demolish the structure.

17. Redevelopment of Slum

Redevelopment of the slum is done to improve the urban sprawl created by the slums and no new land is available for the new construction. In current scenarios in many cities, urban slums are a major concern due to unhygienic and unstable living conditions. The redevelopment aims to give priority to health, livelihood, sanitation, and infrastructure without removing people from the site.

18. Vertical Farm | Thesis Topics for Architecture

A vertical farm is a structure/space in a greenhouse or a field where food production takes place on vertically inclined planes. It often includes agriculture that optimizes plant growth, and soilless techniques like aquaponics, hydroponics, etc. The farming systems can be made on buildings, ship containers, or mine shafts.

19. Wetland Restoration

A degraded wetland is restored which has been destroyed earlier on the land it has been at or still is. Restoration practices include re-establishment and rehabilitation. Wetland restoration is important to maintain ecology, wildlife habitat, and they contribute to economic well-being also.

20. Eco-Mosque | Thesis Topics for Architecture

Eco-mosque is an environmentally friendly and zero energy mosque with the perception towards modernity with sustainability. The Mosque is the epicenter of the community and an important learning place to amplify the environmental stewardship responsibilities. The Eco Mosque is a one-of-a-kind structure designed completely on green technology, being sustainable & with the minimum carbon footprint.

Madiha Khanam is an architect and an enthusiast writer. She approaches writing as a creative medium to pen-down her thoughts just like drawing and illustrating. She loves to read and write about architecture, engineering, and psychology. Besides, she loves to watch anime.

Top 10 Colleges for Interior Design in Mumbai

Kochar House By Tropic Responses

Related posts.

Building Brands: Zaha Hadid

Building Brands: Tom Ford

Building Brands: Woods Bagot

Building Brands: David Collins

Adaptive Reuse- In the field of Architectural innovations

Inclusive Spaces: Implementing Universal Design Principles in Urban Architecture

• Architectural Community
• Architectural Facts
• RTF Architectural Reviews
• Architectural styles
• City and Architecture
• Fun & Architecture
• History of Architecture
• Design Studio Portfolios
• Designing for typologies
• RTF Design Inspiration
• Architecture News
• Career Advice
• Case Studies
• Construction & Materials
• Covid and Architecture
• Interior Design
• Know Your Architects
• Landscape Architecture
• Materials & Construction
• Product Design
• RTF Fresh Perspectives
• Sustainable Architecture
• Top Architects
• Travel and Architecture
• Rethinking The Future Awards 2022
• RTF Awards 2021 | Results
• GADA 2021 | Results
• RTF Awards 2020 | Results
• ACD Awards 2020 | Results
• GADA 2019 | Results
• ACD Awards 2018 | Results
• GADA 2018 | Results
• RTF Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2016 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2015 | Results
• RTF Awards 2014 | Results
• RTF Architectural Visualization Competition 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2020 – Results
• Designer’s Days of Quarantine Contest – Results
• Urban Sketching Competition May 2020 – Results
• RTF Essay Writing Competition April 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2019 – Finalists
• The Ultimate Thesis Guide
• Introduction to Landscape Architecture
• Perfect Guide to Architecting Your Career
• How to Design Architecture Portfolio
• How to Design Streets
• Introduction to Urban Design
• Introduction to Product Design
• Complete Guide to Dissertation Writing
• Introduction to Skyscraper Design
• Educational
• Hospitality
• Institutional
• Office Buildings
• Public Building
• Residential
• Sports & Recreation
• Temporary Structure
• Commercial Interior Design
• Corporate Interior Design
• Healthcare Interior Design
• Hospitality Interior Design
• Residential Interior Design
• Sustainability
• Transportation
• Urban Design
• Host your Course with RTF
• Architectural Writing Training Programme | WFH
• Editorial Internship | In-office
• Graphic Design Internship
• Research Internship | WFH
• Research Internship | New Delhi
• RTF | About RTF
• Submit Your Story

Looking for Job/ Internship?

Rtf will connect you with right design studios.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Abstract, MA thesis on Social Sustainability in the Built Environment

Related Papers

8th International Congress on Architecture and Design

Şeyda Akçalı

Urban social sustainability is the ability of the city to offer livable conditions for human interaction , communication, and cultural development in the long term. The potential of social sustainability in architecture is based on its strong relation to individuals and society. In this context, the study investigates the effect of public spaces on social sustainability, as one of the most important spatial assets of the urban space. It is observed that the qualities of the public space correspond to the goals and concepts in the social sustainability agenda. The study aims to reveal the basic components and contributions of public spaces, which are one of the main actors of community and social life, in providing social sustainability within the scope of residential areas. As a result of the comprehensive literature study, the indicators of social sustainability were determined through the scope of the architecture and public space. Accessibility, social infrastructure (social facilities, and open spaces), attachment, neighborliness, safety, and participation were identified as the primary components of public spaces in residential areas in influencing social sustainability. A questionnaire survey is applied to two areas in Karşıyaka, Izmir. The data was examined through factor analysis and correlation analysis. The research findings show that there are several positive relationships between the indicators of public spaces in residential areas and social sustainability, as well as some latent variables, which are perceived in more depth by the participants as the main components.

Local Environment

Negin Sadeghi

Sergio Porta

Abstract The form of cities does affect the way people use cities. The way people use cities does affect the urban quality of life, the richness of local economy, the level of social cohesion, the level of safety and equity, the amount and the kind of human activities in public spaces. The above are all components of the urban sustainability issue.

Xenia Mastoraki , Anna Ioannidou , KATERINA KOLOKA

The urban landscape in the 21st century calls for immediate actions in city planning in order to address a number of issues ranging from pollution and sustainability, equality and climate change, to aesthetics and diversity. The first part of our research takes into consideration the basic factor for sustainable cities: people. Equality in urban design entails considering every single group that comprises the social web, be it children, women, senior citizens, people with a handicap, the LGBTQ+ community, racial and ethnic minorities and the urban poor. Through examples, it showcases measures that lead to an all-inclusive urban design and these ideas can be implemented in any city around the world with the aim to have a friendly, respectful and humane built environment that leaves no one out. This research shows ways to exploit positively the human capital and help it connect and build bonds both among its members as well as the built environment, bottom-up. We have presented the need for safety for all and the need to integrate the built with the natural environment in such a harmonious mode that can reverse climate change and ensure habitable cities for the future. This research goes on to examine how financial equality with global opportunities can promote a healthy city and lead to a circular economy. Reclaiming the streets and minimizing distances is a wager that city planners have to deal with in modern cities. We have examined the use of art in various forms not only to improve the urban surroundings but also as a method to enhance social bonding and placemaking. The practical use of objects and constructions at the eye level is usually neglected, but this research underlines its importance and usefulness. We have probed into the question of aesthetics, the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the New European Bauhaus Initiative. All in all, our research considers ways for the human capital and technology to walk hand in hand in the 21st century to produce viable, sustainable and respectful environments.

Materials Today: Proceedings

dr.s.p sangeetha

Sustainable …

Architectural Research Addressing Societal Challenges

Asma Mehan , Farzaneh Soflaei

This paper focuses on the concept of urban social sustainability to explore main themes and dimensions by a comprehensive comparative overview. The first objective of this research is to clarify the social sustainability definitions, principles and frameworks through reviewing the existing literature. Later, it attempts to recognize the major factors affecting social sustainability in urban context focusing on satisfaction of human needs. As a result, to connect between theory and practice, Maslow hierarchy of needs has been chosen on the subject of human needs in urbanism. Finally, spatial qualities made by reflecting these needs to space designing such as Comfort, Privacy, Legibility, Diversity, Public Participation, Visual Richness, Sense of Place and Identity. In addition, reviewing studies conducted in different urban scales (Micro/Medium/Macro units) revealed that previous attempts on urban social sustainability emphasized more on Macro Scale (city) and Medium Scale (Neighborhood) units especially emphasizing on urban renewal and regeneration strategies especially in developed countries.

Journal of social and humanities sciences research

Gulsah Dogan

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Magda Matuszewska

This article aims to compare the international tools assessing the quality of life and to carry out their multifaceted qualitative analysis, emphasizing spatial aspects (architecture, urban planning) and demographic changes. Comparative analysis of three guidelines and 13 rankings includes a comparison of a wide range of domains (2–15), criteria (4–66), and indices (22–223). The already observed worldwide trends of aging societies and increasing urban populations have largely drawn the attention of researchers to the urban life quality. Since the early 1990s, many international tools have been developed for that purpose. Although urban practitioners progressively rely on instruments measuring urban quality of life, in the development of urban policy, there is still little research comparing the already available appraisal instruments in view of their measurement criteria. The results of the research on the global tools show that there are major differences between them, either in vi...

giuseppe caldarola

The present study records recurrent guidelines through different case studies of architectural and urban design projects, considered as “models” of different ways for managing the existing urban conditions due to generate new urban qualities. Innovative public spaces, new urban functions, formal/informal hybrid forms of living/using the city (or its parts) can be considered as “common” design topics of various interventions. Resetting urban fabrics, redesigning places, recharging their characters and values can be considered as starting points, shared tools of different regeneration projects, with strong strategical values and figurative features, especially in European and extra-European contexts: a “common ground” by which several contemporary metropolises are undertaking innovative policies and design features to rethink their existing conditions. In several cases – even with situational differences – enhancing the system of public spaces becomes an opportunity to improve their l...

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

RELATED PAPERS

Bauke de vries

JULIE BROWN

Handbook of Environmental Psychology and Quality of Life Research

6th International Conference on Researches in Science & Engineering & 3rd International Congress on Civil, Architecture and Urbanism in Asia

Nasrin Ghadiri , Mohammadreza Mohammadi Vosough

Marie-Françoise Godart

Sustainability

Joanna Borowczyk

haning siradz

Journal of Housing and the Built Environment

Montserrat Pareja-Eastaway

… Communities and Green …

Glen Bramley

Sabah Mushatat , Rebwar Ibrahim

Research in Building Physics

Sigrid Reiter

Vineet Shrivastava

Jake Garcia

Hitomi Nakanishi

Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design

Helle Nørgaard

International Journal of Complexity in Applied Science and Technology

Dexter Hunt

Alberto Alvarellos González

Michal Stangel

Journal of Planning Education and Research

Yosef Jabareen

Jacky Bowring

Rachael Unsworth

ALI ALSHAHIBI

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

• Write my thesis
• Thesis writers
• Buy thesis papers
• Bachelor thesis
• Master's thesis
• Thesis editing services
• Thesis proofreading services
• Buy a thesis online
• Write my dissertation
• Dissertation proposal help
• Pay for dissertation
• Custom dissertation
• Dissertation help online
• Buy dissertation online
• Cheap dissertation
• Dissertation editing services
• Write my research paper
• Buy research paper online
• Pay for research paper
• Research paper help
• Order research paper
• Custom research paper
• Cheap research paper
• Research papers for sale
• Thesis subjects
• How It Works

187 Sustainability Topics For Research Papers In 2023

If you are a student of environmental science or even technology, sustainability is a very important topic for your research papers. These topics help you study the impact of mankind on the environment and different options that are available to prevent further deterioration of the planet. There is a lot of scope for research on this subject, making it one of the most common topics for dissertation or thesis writing. Here is a list of some of the best environmental sustainability research topics that will help you get started on your research paper and project.

The topics below are practical and easy because you can find a lot of information about them. Whether you are writing an informative or argumentative paper, these topics are the perfect starting point for you.

Environmental Sustainability Research Topics

These sustainability research topics are suitable for in-depth data and analysis. They are ideal for lengthy writing assignments.

• Draw a comparison between different non-profit groups that are dedicated to improving sustainability.
• Can custom sustainable designs for classrooms improve learning?
• Is adding better natural lighting a sustainable way of saving on energy costs in large organizations?
• What are the different technological innovations that are focused on reducing environmental pollution?
• Does veganism help protect the environment?
• Are hand dryers instead of paper towels a good idea for public restrooms?
• How is pollution related to a country’s GDP?
• Why do developing nations find it difficult to start recycling programs?
• What are some political challenges that the environment faces globally?
• Is American politics affecting the environment?
• What are the benefits of choosing a vegan diet?
• Do developed countries have the responsibility of helping third-world nations become more sustainable?
• Are your current local environmental policies effective enough?
• Should high schools and colleges ban the use of plastic?
• How does food consumption affect the environment?
• Why is Sweden so different from other countries when it comes to protecting the environment?
• What are some technological advancements that help us reduce waste?
• Why have we failed to reduce food wastage across the globe?
• Is better recycling technology the solution to reducing waste in landfills?
• How are plastic straws a threat to the environment of the Earth?
• Can increased taxes items meant for single-use reduce waste from piling up in landfills?
• Why do some states succeed in banning plastic bags while others fail?
• How is overpopulation related to pollution?
• In the next fifty years, how will the population impact the environment?
• Do we have enough natural resources to support the exploding population across the globe?
• What role does the government play in improving food resources?

Easy Sustainability Topics For Research

These sustainability topics for research are commonly used by students because they are practical in terms of research and the availability of data.

• Is banning plastic a suitable solution to reduce environmental pollution?
• What are the options available to make cutlery sustainable?
• Should metros ban the use of plastic straws completely?
• Why is our ecosystem so dependent on sea life?
• Does any carbon footprint come from farm animals and how?
• Why is it the need of the hour to prevent waste from being dumped into oceans?
• How does getting fair-trade certificates to benefit university campuses?
• Why should we increase the consumption of local produce?
• How does supporting local businesses improve sustainability?
• Should food donation programs be imposed in cities?
• How has the emergence of farmers’ markets helped various communities?
• Is buffet-style dining beneficial or harmful for efforts toward sustainability?
• How can taxes be used to improve sustainability efforts?
• How can leftovers from hotels and restaurants be disposed of sustainably?
• What are the various benefits of food programs for the community?
• Explain the process of growing vegan produce and its effect on the environment
• How have sustainability efforts been affected globally as a result of the pandemic?
• Is zero-waste living ideal?
• What does sustainability mean in the 21st century?
• How is supporting local food markets sustainable?
• How does the greenhouse effect change as a result of less meat consumption?
• Does eating red meat improve the quality of the air?
• What are some benefits of switching to a plant-based diet?
• Should school cafeterias increase the options for vegan food?
• How do slaughterhouses impact the environment negatively?
• What if all restaurants switched to buffet-style meals?

Best Sustainability Topics For Research Papers

Looking for sustainability topics for research that can ensure better grades. Here is a list of some of the best topics on sustainability that you can choose from.

• Give a detailed plan for a sustainable restaurant.
• Why do large cities struggle with reducing air pollution?
• Should cities make it mandatory to reduce food waste in community gardens?
• What are some of the primary benefits of improving public transportation systems?
• Should rainwater harvesting become compulsory for large buildings?
• Has technology benefited or harmed the environment?
• Will reducing our dependence on technology help sustain the environment?
• Are smaller classrooms beneficial or harmful to the environment?
• How has the pandemic affected the environment positively?
• What is the negative impact of the pandemic on the environment?
• Can reducing the number of school days improve sustainability efforts?
• How do school campuses contribute to environmental deterioration? How can it be reduced?
• What are the best ways to teach children about non-renewable and renewable resources?
• What are some immediate changes that you can make in your life to become more sustainable?
• Create a detailed sustainability plan for your family
• Can maintaining a constant temperature at home reduce energy costs? Support your argument with data.
• Chart out a detailed zero-waste living plan that can be implemented easily.
• What is the relationship between community health and the environment?
• Case studies of the impact of pollution on the health of people.
• How do developing nations improve their access to water resources?
• Can government policies truly help the environment?
• Will creating better public spaces like riverbeds and parks improve sustainability?
• What are some measures that can be used to improve access to clean water in developing nations?
• What are some measures taken by Denmark to reduce food waste?
• Discuss Sweden’s efforts to use waste for heating and energy.
• How can we reduce pollution and improve the quality of care at the same time?

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

These sustainability topics for research papers are perfect for college students as they are most relevant and extremely interesting as well.

• What are the best ways to deal with medical waste?
• How has awareness about recycling improved sustainability efforts?
• Is global warming false as some world leaders claim?
• What are some ecological challenges that the US will face in the coming decades?
• Will green universities improve students’ mental health?
• How can growing your food help in improving sustainability?
• What are the best measures that communities can take to prevent waste
• What are the best ways to use landscaping sustainably?
• Is gardening around the house a good way of improving the quality of air amidst growing pollution rates?
• Should fireworks be banned?
• How can we raise cattle sustainably?
• How is the fashion industry impacting the environment?
• Discuss the importance of sustainable fashion in the world we live in.
• How can community gardens help cities become more sustainable?
• How can you measure the success of a smart city by the well-being of its inhabitants?
• What are smart cities? Can you provide examples?
• How can digitization be used to pursue a sustainability agenda?
• What are the various ecological dimensions of sustainability?
• Should governments provide more grants for research on sustainability?
• Discuss some sustainable measures that we can learn from our ancestors.
• What is the impact of America’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement?
• What are the Paris Climate Agreement and its important terms?
• How can changing policies from a macro level to a micro level improve sustainability efforts?
• What are the best measures taken by the UN to improve sustainability?
• Greta Thunberg: The poster child of climate change or a publicity stunt?
• The most impactful environmentalists over the last decade.

Sustainability Topics for All Levels

These sustainability research paper topics are perfect for you whether you are writing a high school paper or a college paper. They are versatile and easy to compile.

• How will our carbon footprint impact the generations to come?
• What are the different types of sustainability?
• What does sustainability education mean?
• How can your school or college improve its regulations to make the campus sustainable?
• Are there any sustainability programs that have been implemented in your school or college?
• Do solar panels on buildings help reduce energy costs?
• What are the benefits of including sustainability education in the school curriculum?
• How does non-plastic waste in the oceans impact the environment?
• How to prevent the greenhouse effect from agriculture?
• Should governments support and invest in more solar technologies?
• How can a home become energy efficient with solar energy?
• How does an improved ventilation system improve sustainability?
• What are the measures taken by modern schools and colleges in improving sustainability?
• How can modern classrooms make use of natural light for better sustainability?
• How can we save on energy by setting systems off when they are still idle.
• What are the various benefits of changing classroom timings to optimize the use of natural lighting?
• Is it possible to apply a game theory to manage challenges with sustainability?
• What is the difference between biocapacity and carbon footprint in various regions?
• What are some challenges faced by companies when it comes to conserving energy?
• Can you name some environmental groups that have been most effective in cleaning up plastic from the oceans and how they have achieved their goals?
• What are some positive effects of reducing computer screen brightness?
• Name some countries with the poorest environmental laws?
• A case study of the most sustainable nations in the world.
• The effect of plastic on the environment in detail.
• What are some effective measures of saving water?
• A study of oil spills and their effect on marine life over the last decade.

Environmental Project Topics

Have an environmental sustainability topic due? This sustainability topics list is all you need to present projects that grab the attention of your audience.

• What are some barriers and drivers of sustainability research?
• How does on-campus sustainable research help increase practical solutions for environmental sustainability?
• Provide a business case to install new lighting systems
• What are some lighting systems available today that are most sustainable?
• Needs luxury led to an unsustainable environment?
• What are the benefits of using electric cars?
• The most impactful evidence to prove that global warming is real.
• Do political agendas suppress sustainability efforts? How?
• What are some of the major threats of climate change?
• The importance of teaching children about sustainability
• What are some of the most common examples of wasteful living that you see around you?
• The relationship between undernutrition, obesity, and climate change.
• Why has ice loss across the Himalayas become rapid over the last 40 years?
• How quickly are we depleting natural resources?
• How does the medical industry contribute to global warming?
• What is the Lancet Countdown on climate change and health?
• Does climate change impact the health of newborn children?
• How has industrialization helped and harmed the environment?
• The use of heating and cooling systems and their impact on the environment.
• The harmful impact of the film industry on the environment
• Celebrities who have successfully endorsed anti-climate change campaigns
• KFC and the Amazon Rainforests: What was the chaos about?
• How has the fast-food industry impacted the environment?
• The contribution of the aviation industry toward global warming
• What is a carbon tax and how can it help improve efforts towards sustainability?
• Write about the development of waste streams over the last few decades.
• Are newspapers viable in times of sustainability?
• The importance of enhancing biodiversity to reduce environmental deterioration.
• Can improving safety regulations for cyclists contribute to sustainability?
• What are some of the most sustainable multi-national companies? Discuss their strategies.

Sustainable Development Topics

Development is a very important topic for research paper writing for students of environmental studies. Here are some sustainability topics for research related to development to help you get started.

• How has economic globalization impacted the environment?
• What is the relationship between autocracy, democracy, wars, and natural resources?
• How does a finite environmental capacity impact political and economic development?
• Changing human behavior and the use of natural resources.
• Adaptation and mitigation policies to solve environmental issues.
• The difference between the approach of a political institution and market-based requirements towards sustainability.
• How has the automobile industry taken steps towards sustainability?
• What are some effects of Green Technology on the economy?
• What is the advantage of using Green Technology in organizations?
• A detailed study of the Global Environmental Sustainability Framework to technology.
• How can digitization be used to improve awareness about sustainability?
• Is it practical to implement Green technology in developing countries? What are the best measures that can be taken?
• How can construction become sustainable?
• How can Green Thinking help improve sustainability?
• What is the perception of green energy and sustainability in multinational organizations?
• What are some sustainability policies that have helped developing nations?
• The impact of digitization on sustainability
• What are the current trends in Green Technology?
• Should builders receive incentives for constructing sustainable structures?
• Incentives for sustainability in industrial settings.
• The most effective option for disposing of electronic waste.
• How advancement in medical technology has impacted the environment
• The relationship between motorsports and the environment.
• Do large public events like concerts and sports events impact sustainability?
• The impact of styrofoam cups on the environment.
• Advancements in technology have contributed to sustainability.
• Scientists who have contributed effectively towards sustainability.

If you still need assistance with thesis writing , our experts can help you find a fast and cost-effective solution. Get in touch with us now for expert writers and top-notch papers that will surely improve your grades.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Sustainability: Sustainability Research Topics

• Find Journal Articles
• Databases for Sustainabilty Research
• Carbon Footprint
• Climate Change
• Green Building & Infrastructure
• Green Economy/Technology
• Materials, Waste & Recycling
• Social Sustainability
• Sustainability in Higher Education
• Global Environment Overview

Click on any of the topics above for more topic-specific resources.

Related Guides

• Climate Change This guide presents selected resources related to climate change and global warming.
• Life Cycle Assessment Guide This guide provides selected resources related to LCA, which is a technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals This guide presents resources related to the themes of the 17 SDGs.
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies - Environment & Sustainability This guide provides selected resources on the topics of the environment and sustainability as they relate to these regions. Each resource category provides sources on a regional and country basis.
• Earth Day 2023 This guide presents selected resources such as books, journals, films & videos on Earth Day topics.
• Sustainability resources on JSTOR A research guide to the wide range of journals, ebooks, and more than 5,400 Open Access research reports in the field of sustainability. The subjects of resilience and sustainability are explored broadly, covering research on environmental stresses and their impact on society.
• << Previous: Databases for Sustainabilty Research
• Next: Carbon Footprint >>
• Last Updated: Jun 5, 2024 1:38 PM
• URL: https://libguides.wpi.edu/sustainability

How can we help?

• [email protected]
• Consultation
• 508-831-5410

Theses on Sustainability

[1] THE TERM HAS BECOME so widely used that it is in danger of meaning nothing. It has been applied to all manner of activities in an effort to give those activities the gloss of moral imperative, the cachet of environmental enlightenment. “Sustainable” has been used variously to mean “politically feasible,” “economically feasible,” “not part of a pyramid or bubble,” “socially enlightened,” “consistent with neoconservative small-government dogma,” “consistent with liberal principles of justice and fairness,” “morally desirable,” and, at its most diffuse, “sensibly far-sighted.”

[2] NATURE WILL DECIDE what is sustainable; it always has and always will. The reflexive invocation of the term as cover for all manner of human acts and wants shows that sustainability has gained wide acceptance as a longed-for, if imperfectly understood, state of being.

[3] AN ACT, PROCESS, OR STATE of affairs can be said to be economically sustainable, ecologically sustainable, or socially sustainable. To these three some would add a fourth: culturally sustainable.

[4] NATURE IS MALLEABLE and has enormous resilience, a resilience that gives healthy ecosystems a dynamic equilibrium. But the resiliency of nature has limits and to transgress them is to act unsustainably. Thus, the most diffuse usage, “sensibly far-sighted,” is the usage that contains and properly reflects the strict ecological definition of the term: a thing is ecologically sustainable if it doesn’t destroy the environmental preconditions for its own existence.

[5] ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY describes the point at which a less-developed economy no longer needs infusions of capital or aid in order to generate wealth. This definition is misleading: for many of those who use it (including traditional economists and many economic aid agencies), “economic sustainability” means “sustainable within the general industrial program of using fossil fuels to generate wealth and produce economic growth,” a program that is, of course, not sustainable.

[6] SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY describes a state in which a society does not contain any dynamics or forces that would pull it apart. Such a society has sufficient cohesion to overcome the animosities that arise from (for instance) differences of race, gender, wealth, ethnicity, political or religious belief; or from differential access to such boons as education, opportunity, or the nonpartisan administration of justice. Social sustainability can be achieved by strengthening social cohesion (war is a favorite device), through indoctrination in an ideology that bridges the disparities that strain that cohesion, or through diminishing the disparities themselves. (Or all three.)

[7] CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY asks that we preserve the opportunity for nonmarket or other nonindustrial cultures to maintain themselves and to pass their culture undiminished to their offspring.

[8] HUMAN CIVILIZATION has been built on the exploitation of the stored solar energy found in four distinct carbon pools: soil, wood, coal, petroleum. The latter two pools represent antique, stored solar energy, and their stock is finite. Since agriculture and forestry exploit current solar income, civilizations built on the first two pools — soil and wood — had the opportunity to be sustainable. Many were not.

[9] THE 1987 UN BRUNDTLAND REPORT offered one widely accepted definition of what sustainability means: “meet[ing] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition contains within it two key concepts. One is the presumption of a distinction between needs and wants, a distinction that comes into sharp relief when we compare the consumption patterns of people in rich and in poor nations: rich nations satisfy many of their members’ wants — indeed, billions of dollars are spent to stimulate those wants — even as poor nations struggle to satisfy human needs. Two: we face what Brundtland called “limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.”

[10] THAT A DISTINCTION can usefully be drawn between wants and needs seems obvious. Mainstream economics, however, refuses to countenance such a distinction. (Marxist economics does, which, from the viewpoint of an ecologically enlightened economics, is one of the few ways in which it is distinguishable from its neoclassical alternative.) The work of Wilfred Pareto was crucial to this refusal. His contribution to economic theory marks a turning point in the evolution (some would say devolution) of nineteenth-century political economy into the highly mathematized discipline of economics as we know it today. Pareto’s novel idea: because satisfactions and pleasures are subjective — because no one among us can say with certainty, “I like ice cream more than you do” — there is no rational way to compare the degree of pleasure that different people will gain by satisfying desires. All we can do is assert that if an economic arrangement satisfies more human wants, it is objectively better than an arrangement that satisfies fewer human wants. This seems commonsensical until we unpack that caveat “all we can do.” An economic arrangement achieves Pareto Optimality if, within it, no one can be made better off (in his own estimation) without making someone else worse off (in her own estimation). Economic science, in its desire to be grounded on rational, objective principles, thus concludes that were we to take a dollar from a billionaire and give it to a starving man to buy food, we can’t know for certain that we have improved the sum total of human satisfaction in the world. For all we know, the billionaire might derive as much pleasure from the expenditure of his billionth dollar as would a starving man spending a dollar on food. All we can do — all! — is promote the growth of income; and if we care about that starving man, we must work to produce two dollars’ worth of goods where before there was only one, so that both the billionaire and the starving man can satisfy their wants.

[11] THUS WAS neoclassical economic theory, putatively value-free and scientific, made structurally dependent on a commitment to infinite economic growth, a value-laden, unscientific, demonstrably unsustainable commitment if ever there was one.

[12] THE BRUNDTLAND assertion that we face “limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs” can be read as both acknowledging ecological limits to human activity and as sidestepping the major issue that those ecological limits have brought to the fore. Can humans, through technological development, solve any problem brought on by resource scarcity and the limited capacity of ecosystems to absorb our acts and works? When all is said and done, can we enlarge the economy’s ecological footprint forever in order to create wealth? Gradually, we are coming to recognize that the answer is no.

[13] AN ECONOMY CAN BE MODELED as an open thermodynamic system, one that exchanges matter and energy across its border (that mostly conceptual, sometimes physical line that separates culture from its home in nature). An economy sucks up valuable low-entropy matter and energy from its environment, uses these to produce products and services, and emits degraded matter and energy back into the environment in the form of a high-entropy wake. (Waste heat. Waste matter. Dissipated and degraded matter: yesterday’s newspaper, last year’s running shoes, last decade’s dilapidated automobile.) An economy has ecological impact on both the uptake and emission side. The laws of thermodynamics dictate that this be so. “You can’t make something from nothing; nor can you make nothing from something,” the law of conservation of matter and energy tells us. With enough energy we could recycle all the matter that enters our economy — even the molecules that wear off the coins in your pocket. But energy is scarce: “You can’t recycle energy,” says the law of entropy. Or, in a colloquial analogy: Accounts must balance and bills must be paid. To operate our economic machine we pay an energy bill; we must ever take in energy anew.

[14] ESTABLISHING an ecologically sustainable economy requires that humans accept a limit on the amount of scarce low entropy that we take up from the planet (which will also, necessarily, limit the amount of degraded matter and energy that we emit). An effective approach would be to use market mechanisms, such as would occur if we had an economy-wide tax on low-entropy uptake (the extraction of coal and oil, the cutting of lumber). The tax rate could be set to ensure that use doesn’t exceed a limit — the CO 2 absorption capacity of the planet, the regenerative ability of forests. Producers and consumers would have freedom under the cap brought about by the tax. With such a tax, the tax on workers’ income could be abandoned. (As the slogan says, we should “tax bads, not goods.” Work is good. Uptake of scarce resources is bad.)

[15] FOR DECADES environmentalism has been primarily a moral vision, with principles susceptible to being reduced to fundamentalist absolutes. Pollution is wrong; it is profanation. We have no right , environmentalism has said, to cause species extinction, to destroy habitat, to expand the dominion of culture across the face of nature. True enough, and so granted. But even Dick Cheney agreed that environmentalism is essentially, merely, a moral vision. (“Conservation,” he said, on his way to giving oil companies everything they wanted, “may be a personal virtue, but it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy.”) The time has long since passed for the achievement of sustainability to be left to simple moral admonition, to finger-wagging in its various forms. It’s time to use the power of the market — the power of self-interest, regulated and channeled by wise policy — to do good. Environmentalism must become an economic vision.

[16] ACCEPTING A LIMIT on the economy’s uptake of matter and energy from the planet does not mean that we have to accept that history is over, that civilization will stagnate, or that we cannot make continual improvements to the human condition. A no-growth economy is not a no-development economy; there would still be invention, innovation, even fads and fashions. An economy operating within ecological limits will be in dynamic equilibrium (like nature, its model): just as ecosystems evolve, so would the economy. Quality of life (as it is measured by the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare, an ecologically minded replacement for GDP) would still improve. If a sustainable economy dedicated to development rather than growth were achieved through market mechanisms, consumers would still reign supreme over economic decision making, free to pursue satisfactions — and fads and fashions — as they choose.

[17] OUR CHALLENGE is to create something unprecedented in human history: an ecologically sustainable civilization that offers a high standard of living widely shared among its citizens, a civilization that does not maintain itself through more-or-less hidden subsidies from antique solar income, or from the unsustainable exploitation of ecosystems and peoples held in slavery or penury, domestically or in remote regions of the globe. The world has never known such a civilization. Most hunting-and-gathering tribes achieved a sustainable balance with their environments, living off current solar income in many of its forms rather than on the draw-down of irreplaceable stocks, but we can’t say that any of them achieved a high standard of material well-being. Medieval western Europe lived in balance with its soil community, achieving a form of sustainable agriculture that lasted until the invention of coal- and steam-propelled agriculture a few centuries ago, but few of us would trade the comforts and freedoms we enjoy today for life as a serf on a baronial estate, or even for the pre-electricity, pre-petroleum life of a mid-nineteenth-century farmer.

[18] NO, THERE IS NO PRECEDENT for what we are struggling to create. We have to make it up ourselves.

Welcome to Orion's New Website!

• < Previous

Home > Theses and Dissertations > 7293

Theses and Dissertations

Essays on consumer returns and environmental sustainability in operations management.

Aditya Balaram

Date of Award

Spring 2023

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Moore School of Business

First Advisor

Olga Perdikaki

Second Advisor

Mark Ferguson

Consumer returns and environmental sustainability greatly impact the operational decisions that firms make. Focusing on consumer returns, lenient return policies aid consumers with resolving uncertainty but impose additional reverse logistics costs on retailers. The current retail landscape has largely eliminated the possibility of offering more stringent return policies since consumers have come to expect such policies as a given. This has driven retailers to look for innovative solutions while still offering costly free return policies. With respect to environmental sustainability, a number of operational decisions have been examined in the academic literature. These have ranged all the way from examining closed loop supply chains to understanding the impact of operational decisions in varied contexts such as food waste and energy markets.

While returns and sustainability have been jointly examined in the context of closed loop supply chains, in this dissertation, we look at how they independently manifest in unique ways in the apparel industry as well as in the context of crowd-funding. Specifically, in Chapter 2, we examine whether an online apparel retailer can maximize profits by encouraging the seemingly deleterious consumer practice of bracketing. In Chapter 3, we compare two commonly used supply chain approaches to apparel retail (fast fashion and the traditional approach) in terms of environmental impact. We shift gears in Chapter 4, where we empirically examine whether business ventures with a sustainability orientation achieve higher success than those without such an orientation in a crowdfunding setting.

© 2023, Aditya Balaram

Recommended Citation

Balaram, A.(2023). Essays on Consumer Returns and Environmental Sustainability in Operations Management. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/7293

Since August 28, 2023

Included in

Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS
• Collections
• Disciplines

Submissions

• Give us Feedback
• University Libraries

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Getting Started with THESIS

Phase 1: Getting Started With THESIS Involves 3 Steps:  

1. understand thesis  , 2. understand your current state  , 3. get started on thesis.

Proactive preparation i s key to ensuring you maximize your company’s performance on THESIS assessments and the value you get from THESIS .   Consistently, companies that develop strategies to integrate annual sustainability assessments into their operations achieve better results, create better insights into their performance, and set themselves on track to improve year over year.  

A majority of videos in the TSC Video Library have subtitles available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Here is how to enable subtitles.

Reach out with questions to the TSC Help Desk at: [email protected]  

Key Resources

Step 1: understand thesis  .

THESIS, or The Sustainability Insight System, is a set of performance assessments that are made up of sets of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) assess transparency and performance on the most pressing sustainability issues for consumer goods companies. 

Key Takeaway

Completing a KPI can involve going up the supply chain to collect data from multiple sites and multiple organizations, even those not under the operational control or ownership of the final manufacturer.

57% of THESIS KPIs require upstream data collection.

Thesis assessments are :   .

•   Product category based : covering a category of related products  
• Global production : covering global production of that product category, including all regions and retail buyers  
• Activity-based scope : each KPI addresses a specific impact or issue that occurs during a set of activities in a product category’s supply chain. 
• Final Manufacturer Perspective : THESIS KPIs are designed to be answered from the perspective of a final manufacturer of a consumer goods product.  

Includes Producer Brands and Private Label : Assessments include product data for both producer brands (also referred to as “national” brands) as well as for retailer private label products.

Key Resources 

What is THESIS?

How THESIS Assessments Are Scored

How THESIS Assessments are Made

Breaking down a THESIS KPI

Step 2: Understand Your Current State  

Understanding your organization’s current state will help your company’s supply chain relationships, as well as help identify any gaps in data. Use this time to identify resources and internal knowledge available and document your approach for next year.  

Creating a repeatable strategy for assessing your products hotspots will help guarantee that your efforts are impactful and lead to improved results.   

If you are new to thesis :  .

List your products : Create a list of all your products, including which retail buyer they are sold to

Identify contacts : Create comprehensive facility and supplier lists, including contract manufacturing and all facilities not owned and those not under your operational control. Identify current contacts for all facilities and suppliers.  

Identify assessments : Use TSC’s Assessment Selection Tool to identify the correct assessment for all of your products. Review the THESIS Product Finder to understand the relevant sustainability issues for each product category.  

Plan how to access your data : Identify which teams or partners have access to the data you’ll need

Plan your timeline : Identify a clear timeline for each step. Get started as soon as possible to ensure you have the time you need.  

Plug into existing processes : Identify existing data collection processes you can utilize as well as any resources and internal knowledge available.  

If you are a returning THESIS user :  

• Learn about previous years : How has your organization historically managed the THESIS assessment process? Who previously managed it?
• Identify change needed : Are there any adjustments that you’ll need to make based on changes in your products, retailer buyers, previous learnings, etc.?  
• Plan how to access data : How have you previously collected data?   Which teams have access to the data you’ll need?
• Address gaps : What data collection gaps, pain points and bottlenecks did you face?  
• Understand changes needed : What assessments were submitted previously? What were the results? What actions did you implement to improve?

THESIS Assessment Selection Tool

Use TSC’s A ssessment Selection Tool to review the scope of each assessment and identify the correct asses sments 

THESIS Product Finder

A free tool to help identify which product assessments exist on THESIS and an overview of the sustainability issues for each product . Snapshots are approachable for those just beginning to understand the sustainability of their supply chains while providing more information than what would be learned at a conference.  

Step 3: Get Started on THESIS

THESIS licenses are purchased annually, available each August, and allow you to share one year’s data with your retail buyers.  

Product Category assessments are self-select: Once on the THESIS platform, you will automatically see the THESIS Start and THESIS wrap-up assessments. During the assessment selection hierarchy, you self-select and add assessments based on the products you sell. You can also add assessments from your dashboard after THESIS license purchase. To inform which assessments to complete, read the assessment cover page to understand what products are within that assessment’s scope. You can also use the “Assessment Selection Tool”.  

• Go to THESIS on and create an account.
• Select your THESIS assessments. Reference the individual KPI Guidance to understand what products are included in the scope for each assessment.

IMPORTANT : Ensure you select all the retailer buyers you sell to on THESIS.

• Purchase your annual THESIS license
• THESIS Start
• Product Category Assessments
• THESIS Wrap-Up

IMPORTANT : Do not create a new company account. Contact us to resolve any issues at [email protected]

IMPORTANT :  If you can only view your previous assessments on your Dashboard, you must click “THESIS” on the left-side menu, then select “Renew” to get started.   

• Review your selected assessments and buyers. Make changes as needed.  
• Complete payment to renew your THESIS license  
• Go to your Dashboard and click on an assessment to open it.  
• THESIS Wrap-Up  

NEW THESIS KPI Guidance Tool

All THESIS Guidance is available on our website, including helpful information for understanding and completing THESIS KPIs.

What’s Next?

Phase 2 walks you through data collection and completing KPIs. Visit our THESIS Support site for helpful information.   

Information

• Author Services

Initiatives

You are accessing a machine-readable page. In order to be human-readable, please install an RSS reader.

All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess .

Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for future research directions and describes possible research applications.

Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive positive feedback from the reviewers.

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Original Submission Date Received: .

• Active Journals
• Find a Journal
• Proceedings Series
• For Authors
• For Reviewers
• For Editors
• For Librarians
• For Publishers
• For Societies
• For Conference Organizers
• Open Access Policy
• Institutional Open Access Program
• Special Issues Guidelines
• Editorial Process
• Research and Publication Ethics
• Article Processing Charges
• Testimonials
• Preprints.org
• SciProfiles
• Encyclopedia

Article Menu

• Subscribe SciFeed
• Recommended Articles
• Google Scholar
• on Google Scholar
• Table of Contents

Find support for a specific problem in the support section of our website.

Please let us know what you think of our products and services.

Visit our dedicated information section to learn more about MDPI.

JSmol Viewer

Digitalisation of manufacturing systems: a literature review of approaches to assess the sustainability of digitalisation technologies in production systems.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

2. background and scope of the research, 2.1. digitalisation technology in manufacturing systems, 2.2. sustainability as an assessment criteria for digitalisation technologies in manufacturing systems, 2.3. research questions.

• RQ 1: What is the importance of “digitalisation technologies (DTs and CPSs) and sustainability” in production environments in research?
• RQ 2: Which subjects are discussed in terms of “digitalisation technologies (DTs and CPSs) and sustainability”?
• RQ 3: How is the sustainability assessment of digitalisation technologies (DTs and CPSs) discussed in research?
• RQ 4: Which approaches exist to assess the economic and environmental benefits of digitalisation technologies (DTs and CPSs) in manufacturing systems?

3.1. Literature Review

3.2. data collection and analysis.

• (1) Identification: In the first step, the search terms are defined. Based on the research questions, these terms focus on cyber–physical production systems (CP(P)Ss) and digital twins (DTs) in the production environment. To ensure no relevant literature is missed, no further restrictions were imposed regarding environmental or economic assessment. Therefore, the literature search used the terms “digital twin”, “cyber-physical (production) system” and “manufacturing” and connected them to the search terms (ALL = (manufacturing production “digital twin*”)) and (ALL = (manufacturing production “cyber physical system*” “cyber physical production system*”)) (used queries in “web of Science”: Query 1: manufacturing production “digital twin*”, Query 2: manufacturing production "cyber physical system*" “cyber physical production system*”).
• (2) Screening: In the second step, duplicates are removed and the remaining search results are filtered. To identify the articles that are relevant to the research problem, the titles and keywords of the papers are analysed first. All papers that obviously deal with another topic are excluded (no production background). Further, the abstracts of the remaining research results are analysed and assigned to the categories Industry 4.0, digital twins and cyber–physical systems (including CPPSs). Papers with another I4.0 background (Big Data, AI) are excluded. To identify and categorise the literature that deals with the cost and resource efficiency assessment of digitalisation technologies in production systems, the categories environmental and economical are added. Publications were considered that address environmental or economic issues in the context of CPSs or DTs. From this, papers can be derived that basically deal with the use of digitalisation technology to increase cost or resource efficiency. These categories are necessary to study the importance and dynamics of the research subject related to the search term (RQ 1 and RQ 2). These publications are classified according to the year of publication, the type of publication, the journal category (engineering, environmental, computer and other sciences), the most important journals, the frequency of keywords, the regions (countries) and the most important universities (institutes) of the publications.
• (3) Eligibility: In the third step, the existing methods for holistic assessment are filtered out of these results and evaluated in terms of whether they deal with (i) a holistic approach for an economic and/or environmental assessment, (ii) efforts (costs) and benefits associated with digitalisation technologies, (iii) a specific economic assessment and (iv) a specific environmental assessment (RQ 3). In addition, the cross-references of the literature examined are analysed in a snowball search and included in the LR. This is carried out based on the relevant literature, as it is assumed that other relevant literature is mentioned there. As a result, various subject fields are characterised to determine the relevance of the sustainability assessment of digitalisation technologies in research.
• (4) Selection: In the fourth step, the papers that meet the criteria are analysed in terms of content in relation to RQ 4 to identify the methods used for a holistic assessment of digitalisation technologies. It is essential to describe the status of the methods presented and to analyse them with regard to the consistency of the approach from problem description to decision-making. Other criteria are whether the assessment includes the entire life cycle from cradle to grave in the assessment methodology and whether it takes into account different impact categories and linear/non-linear cost–benefit functions. It is also of interest whether common assessment methods are applied and whether these consider economic and environmental sustainability dimensions.

4.1. Quantitative Results

4.1.1. identification and screening results, 4.1.2. chronological development, type and journal of publications, 4.1.3. keyword analysis, 4.1.4. publications per country and organisations, 4.1.5. characterisation by subject fields, 4.2. qualitative results, 4.2.1. content analysis, 4.2.2. analysis of the assessment methods, 5. discussion, 5.1. importance of digitalisation technologies and sustainability in research, 5.2. research subjects in the field of digitalisation technologies and sustainability, 5.3. sustainability assessment of digitalisation technologies in research, 5.4. approaches for the economic and environmental assessment of digitalisation technologies, 6. conclusions, author contributions, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

• Sartal, A.; Bellas, R.; Mejías, A.M.; García-Collado, A. The sustainable manufacturing concept, evolution and opportunities within Industry 4.0: A literature review. Adv. Mech. Eng. 2020 , 12 , 1687814020925232. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kumar, R.; Singh, R.K.; Dwivedi, Y.K. Application of industry 4.0 technologies in SMEs for ethical and sustainable operations: Analysis of challenges. J. Clean. Prod. 2020 , 275 , 124063. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Biedermann, H.; Topic, M. Digitalisierung im Kontext von Nachhaltigkeit und Klimawandel—Chancen und Herausforderungen für produzierende Unternehmen. In CSR und Klimawandel ; Sihn-Weber, A., Fischler, F., Eds.; Springer GmbH: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2019; pp. 41–62. [ Google Scholar ]
• Dillinger, F.; Bernhard, O.; Kagerer, M.; Reinhart, G. Industry 4.0 implementation sequence for manufacturing companies. Prod. Eng. 2022 , 16 , 705–718. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Klimant, P.; Koriath, H.-J.; Schumann, M.; Winkler, S. Investigations on digitalization for sustainable machine tools and forming technologies. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 2021 , 117 , 2269–2277. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Leiden, A.; Herrmann, C.; Thiede, S. Cyber-physical production system approach for energy and resource efficient planning and operation of plating process chains. J. Clean. Prod. 2020 , 280 , 125160. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Rojek, I.; Mikołajewski, D.; Dostatni, E. Digital Twins in Product Lifecycle for Sustainability in Manufacturing and Maintenance. Appl. Sci. 2020 , 11 , 31. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Tschiggerl, K.; Topic, M. Potenziale durch Industrie 4.0 zur Steigerung der Ressourceneffizienz. WINGbusiness 2018 , 51 , 25–28. [ Google Scholar ]
• Krommes, S.; Tomaschko, F. Conceptual Framework of a Digital Twin Fostering Sustainable Manufacturing in a Brownfield Approach of Small Volume Production for SMEs. In Manufacturing Driving Circular Economy, Proceedings of the 18th Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing, Berlin, Germany, 5–7 October 2022 ; Kohl, H., Seliger, G., Dietrich, F., Eds.; Springer Nature: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2023. [ Google Scholar ]
• Krommes, S.; Tomaschko, F. Chance für mehr Ressourceneffizienz. Z. Wirtsch. Fabr. 2021 , 116 , 58–63. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ma, S.; Zhang, Y.; Lv, J.; Yang, H.; Wu, J. Energy-cyber-physical system enabled management for energy-intensive manufacturing industries. J. Clean. Prod. 2019 , 226 , 892–903. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Schebek, L.; Kannengießer, J.; Campitelli, A.; Fischer, J.; Abele, E.; Bauerdick, C.; Anderl, R.; Haag, S.; Sauer, A.; Mandel, J.; et al. Ressourceneffizienz Durch Industrie 4.0: Potenziale für KMU des Verarbeitenden Gewerbes. 2017. Available online: https://www.ipa.fraunhofer.de/de/Publikationen/studien/studie-ressourceneffizienz.html (accessed on 21 February 2024).
• Neumeier, A.; Wolf, T.; Oesterle, S. The Manifold Fruits of Digitalization—Determining the Literal Value Behind. In Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Wirtschaftsinformatik, St. Gallen, Switzerland, 12–15 February 2017; pp. 484–498. [ Google Scholar ]
• Javaid, M.; Haleem, A.; Singh, R.P.; Sinha, A.K. Digital economy to improve the culture of industry 4.0: A study on features, implementation and challenges. Green Technol. Sustain. 2024 , 2 , 100083. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kagermann, H.; Lukas, W.; Wahlster, W. Industrie 4.0—Mit dem Internet der Dinge auf dem Weg zur 4. Industriellen Revolution. VDI Nachrichten No. 13. 2011. Available online: https://www.ingenieur.de/technik/fachbereiche/produktion/industrie-40-mit-internet-dinge-weg-4-industriellen-revolution (accessed on 21 February 2024).
• Kagermann, H.; Anderl, R.; Gausemeier, J.; Schuh, G.; Wahlster, W. Industrie 4.0 im Globalen Kontext ; Herbert Utz Verlag: München, Germany, 2016. [ Google Scholar ]
• Hankel, M. Entwicklung von smarten Produkten. In Industrie 4.0 Potentiale Erkennen und Umsetzen ; Schulz, T., Ed.; Vogel Business Media GmbH & Co.: Würzburg, Germany, 2017. [ Google Scholar ]
• Scheer, A.-W. Unternehmung 4.0: Vom Disruptiven Geschäftsmodell zur Automatisierung der Geschäftsprozesse ; Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH: Wiesbaden, Germany, 2020. [ Google Scholar ]
• Brecher, C.; Herfs, W.; Özdemir, D.; Obdenbusch, M.; Nittinger, J.; Wellmann, F.; Königs, M.; Krella, C.; Sittig, S. Die vernetze Werkzeugmaschine. In Handbuch Industrie 4.0 ; Reinhart, G., Ed.; Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co.: Munich, Germany, 2017. [ Google Scholar ]
• Niebauer, J.; Riemath, A. Wandel des klassischen Büroarbeitsplatzes. In Industrie 4.0 Wie Cyber-Physische Systeme die Arbeitswelt Verändern ; Andelfinger, V.P., Hänisch, T., Eds.; Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH: Wiesbaden, Germany, 2017. [ Google Scholar ]
• Stock, T.; Seliger, G. Opportunities of Sustainable Manufacturing in Industry 4.0. In Proceedings of the 13th Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing—Decoupling Growth from Resource Use, Bihn Duong, Vietnam, 16–18 September 2015; pp. 536–541. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kunju, F.F.K.; Naveed, N.; Anwar, M.N.; Haq, M.I.U. Production and maintenance in industries: Impact of industry 4.0. Ind. Robot Int. J. Robot. Res. Appl. 2022 , 49 , 461–475. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Suleiman, Z.; Shaikholla, S.; Dikhanbayeva, D.; Shehab, E.; Turkyilmaz, A. Industry 4.0: Clustering of concepts and characteristics. Cogent Eng. 2022 , 9 , 2034264. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ching, N.T.; Ghobakhloo, M.; Iranmanesh, M.; Maroufkhani, P.; Asadi, S. Industry 4.0 applications for sustainable manufacturing: A systematic literature review and a roadmap to sustainable development. J. Clean. Prod. 2022 , 334 , 130133. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Bauernhansl, T. Die Entwicklungsstufen der Digitalen Transformation. In Handbuch Industrie 4.0: Band 1: Produktion ; Bauernhansl, T., Ed.; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2023; pp. 3–12. [ Google Scholar ]
• Babel, W. IoT und Industrie 4.0—Zusammenhänge. In Internet of Things und Industrie 4.0 ; Babel, W., Ed.; Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden: Wiesbaden, Germany, 2023; pp. 15–20. [ Google Scholar ]
• Drath, R. The digital Twin: The Evolution of a key concept of industry 4.0. visIT 2018 , 19 , 6–7. [ Google Scholar ]
• Sauer, O. The digital twin—A key technology for Industrie 4.0. visIT 2018 , 19 , 8–9. [ Google Scholar ]
• Ovtcharova, J.; Grethler, M. Beyond the digital twin—Making analytics come alive. visIT 2018 , 19 , 4–5. [ Google Scholar ]
• Siepmann, D. Industrie 4.0—Struktur und Historie. In Einführung und Umsetzung von Industrie 4.0 ; Roth, A., Ed.; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2016; pp. 17–34. [ Google Scholar ]
• Gill, H. From Vision to Reality: Cyber-Physical Systems. In Proceedings of the HCSS National Workshop on New Research Directions for High Confidence Transportation CPS: Automotive, Aviation, and Rail, Vienna, Australia, 18–20 November 2008. [ Google Scholar ]
• Lee, E.A.; Seshia, S.A. Introduction to Embedded Systems—A Cyber-Physical Systems Approach. 2011. Available online: https://ptolemy.berkeley.edu/books/leeseshia/ (accessed on 21 February 2024).
• Schlick, J.; Stephan, P.; Loskyll, M.; Lappe, D. Industrie 4.0 in der praktischen Anwendung. In Industrie 4.0 in Produktion, Automatisierung und Logistik ; Bauernhansl, T., ten Hompel, M., Vogel-Heuser, B., Eds.; Springer Vieweg: Wiesbaden, Germany, 2014; pp. 57–84. [ Google Scholar ]
• Sinsel, A. Das Internet der Dinge in der Produktion ; Springer: Weingarten, Germany, 2020. [ Google Scholar ]
• Atzori, L.; Iera, A.; Morabito, G. The Internet of Things: A survey. Comput. Netw. 2010 , 54 , 2787–2805. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Obukhova, A.; Merzlyakova, E.; Ershova, I.; Karakulina, K. Introduction of digital technologies in the enterprise. E3S Web Conf. 2020 , 159 , 04004. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Demartini, M.; Evans, S.; Tonelli, F. Digitalization Technologies for Industrial Sustainability. Procedia Manuf. 2019 , 33 , 264–271. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• VDI 2206. VDI 2206 Entwicklungsmethodik für Mechatronische Systeme ; Beuth Verlag GmbH: Berlin, Germany, 2004. [ Google Scholar ]
• Gausemeier, J.; Czaja, A.; Dülme, C. Innovationspotentiale auf dem Weg zu Industrie 4.0 ; Universität Paderborn, Heinz Nixdorf Institut: Paderborn, Germany, 2015. [ Google Scholar ]
• Acatech. Umsetzungsstrategie Industrie 4.0 Ergebnisbericht der Plattform Industrie 4.0 ; Acatech: Munich, Germany, 2015. [ Google Scholar ]
• Lu, Y. The Current Status and Developing Trends of Industry 4.0: A Review. Inf. Syst. Front. 2021 . [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Voegele, A.A.; Sommer, L. Kosten—Und Wirtschaftlichkeitsrechnung für Ingenieure ; Carl Hanser Verlag: München, Germany, 2012. [ Google Scholar ]
• World Commission on Environment and Development. Our Common Future, Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development ; Oxford University Press: New York, NY, USA, 1987. [ Google Scholar ]
• The United Nations. Sustainable Development: The 17 Goals. Available online: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (accessed on 18 April 2022).
• Henriques, A.; Richardson, J. The Triple Bottom Line: Does It All Add up? Earthscan: London, UK, 2004. [ Google Scholar ]
• Vereinte Nationen. Transformation unserer Welt: Die Agenda 2030 für nachhaltige Entwicklung. In UN Generalversammlung Siebzigste Tagung ; Vereinte Nationen: New York, NY, USA, 2015. [ Google Scholar ]
• Sendroiu, C.; Roman, A.G.; Roman, C. Increasing the practical value of accounting information in the machine building industry applying the standard—Cost method. Metal. Int. 2007 , 12 , 35–39. [ Google Scholar ]
• Chacko, G. Valuation: Methods and Models in Applied Corporate Finance ; Pearson Education: New York, NY, USA, 2014. [ Google Scholar ]
• European Commission. Joint Research Centre Institute for Environment and Sustainability, International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD). In Handbook: General Guide for Life Cycle Assessment ; Publications Office of the European Union: Luxembourg, 2010. [ Google Scholar ]
• Dillman, K.J.; Árnadóttir, Á.; Heinonen, J.; Czepkiewicz, M.; Davíðsdóttir, B. Review and Meta-Analysis of EVs: Embodied Emissions and Environmental Breakeven. Sustainability 2020 , 12 , 9390. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hesser, F.; Wohner, B.; Meints, T.; Stern, T.; Windsperger, A. Integration of LCA in R&D by applying the concept of payback period: Case study of a modified multilayer wood parquet. Int. J. Life Cycle Assess. 2017 , 22 , 307–316. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fetner, H.; Miller, S.A. Environmental payback periods of reusable alternatives to single-use plastic kitchenware products. Int. J. Life Cycle Assess. 2021 , 26 , 1521–1537. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fleischer, G. Der ökologische break-even-point für das Recycling. Abfallwirtsch. J. 1993 , 3 , 209–215. [ Google Scholar ]
• Caiado, R.G.G.; De Freitas Dias, R.; Mattos, L.V.; Quelhas, O.L.G.; Filho, W.L. Towards sustainable development through the perspective of eco-efficiency—A systematic literature review. J. Clean. Prod. 2017 , 165 , 890–904. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kicherer, A.; Schaltegger, S.; Tschochohei, H.; Pozo, B.F. Eco-efficiency. Int. J. Life Cycle Assess. 2006 , 12 , 537–543. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Lueddeckens, S. A review on the handling of discounting in eco-efficiency analysis. Clean Technol. Environ. Policy 2022 , 25 , 3–20. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Deutscher Bundestag. Abschlussbericht der Enquete-Kommission „Schutz des Menschen und der Umwelt—Ziele und Rahmenbedingungen einer Nachhaltig Zukunftsverträglichen Entwicklung“ (No. Sachgebiet 1101) ; Deutscher Bundestag 13. Wahlperiode: Berlin, Germany, 1998.
• Beier, G.; Ullrich, A.; Niehoff, S.; Reißig, M.; Habich, M. Industry 4.0: How it is defined from a sociotechnical perspective and how much sustainability it includes—A literature review. J. Clean. Prod. 2020 , 259 , 120856. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Mengist, W.; Soromessa, T.; Legese, G. Method for conducting systematic literature review and meta-analysis for environmental science research. MethodsX 2020 , 7 , 100777. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Page, M.J.; McKenzie, J.E.; Bossuyt, P.M.; Boutron, I.; Hoffmann, T.C.; Mulrow, C.D.; Shamseer, L.; Tetzlaff, J.M.; Akl, E.A.; Brennan, S.E.; et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Int. J. Surg. 2021 , 88 , 105906. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Bonilla, S.H.; Silva, H.R.O.; Terra da Silva, M.; Gonçalves, R.F.; Sacomano, J.B. Industry 4.0 and Sustainability Implications: A Scenario-Based Analysis of the Impacts and Challenges. Sustainability 2018 , 10 , 3740. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Burggräf, P.; Dannapfel, M.; Bertling, M.; Xu, T. Return on CPS (RoCPS): An Evaluation Model to Assess the Cost Effectiveness of Cyber-Physical Systems for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. In Proceedings of the PICMET ‘18: Technology Management for Interconnected World, Honolulu, HI, USA, 19–23 August 2018. [ Google Scholar ]
• Thiede, S. Environmental Sustainability of Cyber Physical Production Systems. In Proceedings of the 25th CIRP Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, 30 April–2 May 2018. [ Google Scholar ]
• Tu, M.; Lim, M.K.; Yang, M.-F. IoT-based production logistics and supply chain system—Part 2 IoT-based cyber-physical system: A framework and evaluation. Ind. Manag. Data Syst. 2018 , 118 , 96–125. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Jena, C.M.; Mishra, K.S.; Moharana, S.H. Application of Industry 4.0 to enhance sustainable manufacturing. Environ. Prog. Sustain. Energy 2020 , 39 , 13360. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Chen, X.; Despeisse, M.; Johansson, B. Environmental Sustainability of Digitalization in Manufacturing: A Review. Sustainability 2020 , 12 , 10298. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Lukasik, K.; Stachowiak, T. Intelligent Management In The Age Of Industry 4.0—An Example of A Polymer Processing Company. Manag. Prod. Eng. Rev. 2020 , 11 , 38–49. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Oláh, J.; Aburumman, N.; Popp, J.; Kahn, M.A.; Haddad, H.; Kitukutha, N. Impact of Industry 4.0 on Environmental Sustainability. Sustainability 2020 , 12 , 4674. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Sony, M. Pros and cons of implementing Industry 4.0 for the organizations: A review and synthesis of evidence. Prod. Manuf. Res. 2020 , 8 , 244–272. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Vrchota, J.; Pech, M.; Rolínek, L.; Bednár, J. Sustainability Outcomes of Green Processes in Relation to Industry 4.0 in Manufacturing: Systematic Review. Sustainability 2020 , 12 , 5968. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Badakhshan, E.; Ball, P. Reviewing the Application of Data Driven Digital Twins in Manufacturing Systems: A Business and Management Perspective. In Proceedings of the IFIP WG 5.7 International Conference, APMS, Nantes, France, 5–9 September 2021; Rannenberg, K., Dolgui, A., Lemoine, D., Romero, D., Bernard, A., von Cieminski, G., Eds.; Springer Nature: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2021; pp. 256–265. [ Google Scholar ]
• Bamunuarachchi, D.; Georgakopoulos, D.; Banerjee, A.; Jayaraman, P.P. Digital Twins Supporting Efficient Digital Industrial Transformation. Sensors 2021 , 21 , 6829. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Pater, J.; Stadnicka, D. Towards Digital Twins Development and Implementation to Support Sustainability—Systematic Literature Review. Manag. Prod. Eng. Rev. 2021 , 12 , 63–73. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Jamwal, A.; Agrawal, R.; Sharma, M.; Giallanza, A. Industry 4.0 Technologies for Manufacturing Sustainability: A Systematic Review and Future Research Directions. Appl. Sci. 2021 , 11 , 5725. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Rogall, C.; Mennenga, M.; Herrmann, C.; Thiede, S. Systematic Development of Sustainability-Oriented Cyber-Physical Production Systems. Sustainability 2022 , 14 , 2080. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Aigner, F.J.; Kühnl, M.; Castellani, F.; Greßmann, A.; Aigner, J.; Gyenge, P.; Herrmann, C.; Abraham, T.; Rogall, C.; Arafat, R. Ökologische und Ökonomische Bewertung des Ressourcenaufwandes: Industrie-4.0-Retrofit-Maßnahmen an Werkzeugmaschinen ; VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz GmbH (VDI ZRE): Berlin, Germany, 2022. [ Google Scholar ]
• Jia, Z.; Wang, M.; Zhao, S. A review of deep learning-based approaches for defect detection in smart manufacturing. J. Opt. 2023 , 53 , 1345–1351. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Sommer, M.; Stjepandić, J.; Stobrawa, S.; von Soden, M. Automated generation of digital twin for a built environment using scan and object detection as input for production planning. J. Ind. Inf. Integr. 2023 , 33 , 100462. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ivanov, D. Design and deployment of sustainable recovery strategies in the supply chain. Comput. Ind. Eng. 2023 , 183 , 109444. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kazemi, Z.; Rask, J.K.; Gomes, C.; Yildiz, E.; Larsen, P.G. Movable factory—A systematic literature review of concepts, requirements, applications, and gaps. J. Manuf. Syst. 2023 , 69 , 189–207. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zizic, M.C.; Mladineo, M.; Gjeldum, N.; Celent, L. From Industry 4.0 towards Industry 5.0: A Review and Analysis of Paradigm Shift for the People, Organization and Technology. Energies 2022 , 15 , 5221. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• da Silva, F.S.T.; da Costa, C.A.; Crovato, C.D.P.; Righi, R.d.R. Looking at energy through the lens of Industry 4.0: A systematic literature review of concerns and challenges. Comput. Ind. Eng. 2020 , 143 , 106426. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hein-Pensel, F.; Winkler, H.; Brückner, A.; Wölke, M.; Jabs, I.; Mayan, I.J.; Kirschenbaum, A.; Friedrich, J.; Zinke-Wehlmann, C. Maturity assessment for Industry 5.0: A review of existing maturity models. J. Manuf. Syst. 2023 , 66 , 200–210. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Machado, C.G.; Winroth, M.P.; Ribeiro Da Silva, E.H.D. Sustainable manufacturing in Industry 4.0: An emerging research agenda. Int. J. Prod. Res. 2020 , 58 , 1462–1484. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]

Click here to enlarge figure

Share and Cite

Tomaschko, F.; Reichelt, L.; Krommes, S. Digitalisation of Manufacturing Systems: A Literature Review of Approaches to Assess the Sustainability of Digitalisation Technologies in Production Systems. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 6275. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156275

Tomaschko F, Reichelt L, Krommes S. Digitalisation of Manufacturing Systems: A Literature Review of Approaches to Assess the Sustainability of Digitalisation Technologies in Production Systems. Sustainability . 2024; 16(15):6275. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156275

Tomaschko, Florian, Lukas Reichelt, and Sandra Krommes. 2024. "Digitalisation of Manufacturing Systems: A Literature Review of Approaches to Assess the Sustainability of Digitalisation Technologies in Production Systems" Sustainability 16, no. 15: 6275. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156275

Article Metrics

Article access statistics, further information, mdpi initiatives, follow mdpi.

Subscribe to receive issue release notifications and newsletters from MDPI journals

• Advanced Search

Role of Academic Libraries in the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals Case Study: : The Mohamed Sekkat University Library

New citation alert added.

This alert has been successfully added and will be sent to:

You will be notified whenever a record that you have chosen has been cited.

To manage your alert preferences, click on the button below.

New Citation Alert!

Please log in to your account

Information & Contributors

Bibliometrics & citations, view options, recommendations, a knowledge organization system for the united nations sustainable development goals.

This paper presents a formal knowledge organization system (KOS) to represent the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of objectives adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 to achieve a better and ...

Data Ecosystem Capability Maturity for the Sustainable Development Goals

The need for reliable information for the monitoring of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals is critical for the successful achievement of the Global Development Agenda. This research advocates for the achievement of the sustainable ...

Preservation research and sustainable digital libraries

The National Science Foundation and DELOS , the European Commission sponsored Network for Digital Libraries, supported a working group to define a research agenda for digital archiving and preservation (DAP-WG) within the context of digital libraries. ...

Information

Published in.

Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.

Netherlands

Publication History

Author tags.

• Library Services
• University library
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Research-article

Contributors

Other metrics, bibliometrics, article metrics.

• 0 Total Citations
• 0 Total Downloads
• Downloads (Last 12 months) 0
• Downloads (Last 6 weeks) 0

View options

Login options.

Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution to get full access on this article.

Full Access

Share this publication link.

Copying failed.

Share on social media

Affiliations, export citations.

• Please download or close your previous search result export first before starting a new bulk export. Preview is not available. By clicking download, a status dialog will open to start the export process. The process may take a few minutes but once it finishes a file will be downloadable from your browser. You may continue to browse the DL while the export process is in progress. Download
• Download citation
• Copy citation

We are preparing your search results for download ...

We will inform you here when the file is ready.

Your file of search results citations is now ready.

Your search export query has expired. Please try again.

• Anthesis Group
• Anthesis España
• Anthesis Catalunya
• Anthesis France
• Anthesis Deutschland
• Anthesis Italia
• Anthesis Suomi
• Anthesis Sverige
• Anthesis Brasil
• Anthesis Middle East
• Anthesis Australia
• Anthesis South Africa
• Anthesis Nederland

ESG Materiality Assessment – A Strategic Imperative for Business

24th July 2024

Renata Ulloa

Senior Consultant

Jacinta Young

Marketing Communications Lead

• What is an ESG Materiality Assessment?
• What is Double Materiality? 
• Benefits of a Materiality Assessment 
• Key Steps in a Materiality Assessment 
• What does a Materiality Assessment Include?

Share this article

• Share via Linkedin
• Share via Facebook
• Share via X
• Share via Email

If you’re committing to sustainable business practices, a high-quality ESG materiality assessment is a critical tool as it enables your organisation to identify and prioritise your most pertinent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. It’s important to focus on your most material topics so your efforts can have the most impact where it matters – plus there is not enough time or resources to address every possible sustainability issue. Understanding your ESG risks and opportunities is also helpful in a world of emerging regulation – in Australia, the upcoming mandatory climate-related financial disclosures. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of an ESG materiality assessment, key steps and methodology including the concept of ‘double materiality,’ and the benefits of undertaking an ESG materiality assessment. 

What is an ESG Materiality Assessment?  

An ESG materiality assessment is a strategic process companies use to identify and prioritise sustainability issues that are most relevant to their operations and stakeholders. 

Best practice frameworks, such as Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), make clear that organisations should conduct a materiality assessment to identify their most salient ESG topics. This is done to ensure that sustainability efforts are focussed where the business has the greatest impact (both positive and negative). 

A key consideration when conducting a materiality assessment is the methodology you deploy. In the fast-evolving sustainability landscape, best practice is to use a double materiality methodology. 

What is Double Materiality?   

Double materiality is the impact your business has on its stakeholders and how ESG may impact your business performance. Two leading ESG best practice frameworks, GRI and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) explore both sides of materiality, where GRI looks at outward impact (onto stakeholders), SASB looks at inward impact (onto business performance). Taken together, these two standards effectively cover a double materiality lens.   

So, what does an ESG materiality assessment consist of? According to GRI, a materiality assessment should involve the following steps:   

• Understand the organisation’s context, 
• Identify actual and potential impacts, 
• Assess the significance of the impact,  
• Prioritise the most significant impacts. 

Benefits of an ESG Materiality Assessment  

There are many benefits of conducting an ESG materiality assessment. These include: 

• Prioritising your ESG Efforts: Ensure your ESG efforts are focused on your business’s most salient impacts. 
• Strategic Alignment: Align and embed ESG priorities into your overall business strategy. 
• Addressing and Mitigating Risk: Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with ESG impacts, through risk management. 
• Building Stakeholder Trust: Build trust and credibility with stakeholders’ engagement and considerations. 
• ESG Transformation: Enables your leadership and key personnel to upskill and align their understanding around key ESG issues relevant to the business, bringing them along and preparing key people to lead a longer-term transformational change in the organisation. 

Key Steps in Conducting an ESG Materiality Assessment  

Conducting an ESG materiality assessment is the foundation for your business’s ESG efforts. 

To guide this process effectively, several key steps should be taken to ensure objectiveness, inclusiveness and comprehensiveness. Let’s explore these key steps to conduct an ESG materiality assessment. 

1. Understand your company’s context 

Begin by exploring your industry, business model and purpose, ESG drivers and stakeholder landscape. For more guidance, GRI 3: Material Topics outlines what should be considered when understanding your organisation’s context. 

2. Identify actual and potential ESG impacts and conduct stakeholder engagement 

Create a long list of all actual and potential ESG impacts, both positive and negative. These actual and potential ESG impacts can consider double materiality and explore inward and outward impacts on your business. A great starting point for your business may be to review your most suited industry standard dictated by GRI and SASB. 

Following your long list, it is crucial to consult your stakeholders to understand their concerns and priorities, in terms of ESG impacts. 

3. Assess impacts and relevance 

Following your stakeholder engagements and identification of ESG impacts, it is important to assess each impact for relevance including negative impacts and positive impacts such as likelihood and scale. 

4. Prioritise ESG material topics 

By assessing each impact, your business will find your most salient ESG impacts. It is vital to prioritise your material ESG topics, to understand which requires most consideration. This can involve reviewing your ESG material topics and creating a threshold, and therefore, selecting a maximum number of topics. 

5. Finalise ESG framework 

To ensure the outcomes of your ESG materiality assessment are user-friendly across your business and for key stakeholders, we recommend creating a final ESG framework where you can see at a glance your most material issues. 

6. Regular review and update 

The sustainability landscape, industry trends and stakeholder expectations are everchanging, that’s why it’s imperative to regularly review and update your ESG material topics. Many businesses aim to conduct a revised materiality assessment annually or biannually. 

7. The foundation for your ESG efforts and strategy 

To ensure this process is utilised effectively, it is important to integrate the findings and your identified material topics into your organisation’s strategic planning, processes, risk assessment and reporting. This can be achieved through the development of an ESG strategy. For more guidance on developing an ESG strategy or reporting, ‘What is ESG and why is it important?’ 

What does an ESG Materiality Assessment Include?  

A materiality assessment varies by industry, but some common ESG impacts and topics that would be covered in an ESG materiality assessment include: 

Environment: 

• Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions 
• Water usage and conservation 
• Biodiversity and ecosystem impacts 
• Waste management and recycling 
• Pollution prevention and control 

Social: 

• Labor practices and human rights 
• Diversity and inclusion 
• Employee health and safety 
• Community engagement and development 
• Supply chain ethics and fair labour practices 

Governance: 

• Board composition and independence 
• Executive compensation and transparency 
• Anti-corruption and bribery policies 
• Shareholder rights and engagement 
• Ethical business conduct and corporate culture 
• ESG Materiality Assessment in Practice 

We’ve worked with various clients across different industries to support their ESG materiality assessment processes. Learn about our materiality assessment advisory and development of an inaugural sustainability report and ESG strategy to progress Namoi Cotton and the cotton industry towards a more sustainable future. 

Why do an ESG Materiality Assessment?

Amidst the growing drivers and significance of ESG considerations, the adoption of an ESG materiality assessment is emerging as a strategic imperative for future-focused businesses. 

The materiality process gives a valuable overarching view of your company’s risk, enabling you to understand and prioritise the material impacts on both your financial performance and reputation. By addressing stakeholder concerns and aligning efforts with actual and potential impacts, your business can navigate the intricate landscape of ESG and leverage the materiality assessment as an effective tool, offering a clear roadmap in committing your business to embed sustainable practices into your core business strategy. 

Watch this webinar for an in-depth overview of how to use materiality outcomes to better inform your company’s strategic imperatives.

Need Help With Your ESG Materiality Assessment?

If you’d like to learn more, or need guidance with your ESG strategy or materiality assessment, or broader emissions reduction, target setting and sustainability initiatives, please reach out to our experts we’re here to help.

You can also download our Guide to Double Materiality here . and here you can understand the pros and cons of doing DIY or outsourcing .

STANDARD ASSESSMENT

THESIS for Retailers

The Sustainability Insight System (THESIS), created by The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) and powered by Sphera is a science-based performance management system helping retailers transform the consumer goods industry to deliver more sustainable consumer products.

Uncover Insights

Leverage TSC’s science-based assessments to measure the sustainability performance of your products, private label and branded, and easily identify hotspots.

Every Product Category

Measure sustainability KPIs across 115 different consumer goods categories and 90% of consumer goods supply chains, covering every product category on your shelf.

Supplier Feedback Tools

Take action on your data and empower your suppliers to improve. Suppliers get instant feedback, peer-benchmarking, score-reports, and tailored action recommendations.

The Network for Consumer Product Sustainability

Retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Kroger, and Sprouts use THESIS to engage, understand, and improve supplier sustainability performance. With over 1,700 reporting brands and nearly $1 trillion in annual sales represented in 2020, THESIS is the largest network for consumer product sustainability.

Innovative tools for sustainable retail

Consumer goods retailers use THESIS to understand and act on the sustainability performance ​of the wide range of products they purchase and sell.​ Retailers using THESIS can:​

• Improve supplier sustainability performance
• Get the right data to track progress on goals
• Benchmark private label vs. national brands
• Identify product sustainability hotspots
• Improve relationships with suppliers
• Amplify their sustainability stories

Dr. Christy Slay

Chief Executive, The Sustainability Consortium

“Our partnership with SupplyShift (now Sphera Supply Chain Sustainability) helps us move towards our mission of ‘ all products sustainable’  by enabling data exchange between supply chain actors. Retailers and suppliers acting on their insights from THESIS drives the positive impact we strive for.“

Book a discovery call

Fill out the form and we will get back to you to discuss your software needs.

The Butterfly Effect: Navigating Biodiversity Impact in Supply Chains and the Key Role of Stakeholder Engagement

Enhanced engagement and metrics for responsible supply chains webinar, best practices to help create risk-averse, agile, and sustainable value chains webinar.

Spheracloud®

Request a demo

Get in touch.

• Corporate Sustainability
• Environmental Accounting
• Health and Safety Management
• Operational Compliance
• Master Data Management
• Advanced Risk Assessment
• Control of Work
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Chemical Management Software
• Hazardous Material Management
• Product Compliance Software
• Supply Chain Sustainability
• Supply Chain Risk Management
• Sustainability Strategy Guidance
• Sustainability Performance Improvement
• Sustainability Communication and Reporting
• Chemicals & Life Sciences
• Consumer Services & Technology
• Industrials & Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Hazardous Materials
• Financial Services
• Customer case studies
• Customer Care
• Resource Library
• Case studies
• Sustainable Success book
• Webinar recordings
• White papers
• Upcoming events
• On-demand recordings
• All Regulations
• California SB 253
• California SB 261
• EU Taxonomy
• Indian Business Responsibility & Sustainability
• Don’t delete – see zac
• Join our team

Privacy Overview

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.