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Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 November 2023) | Viewed by 18462

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Charles Yousif

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Guest Editor

Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Malta, Barrakki Street, MXK 1531 Marsaxlokk, Malta
Interests: energy performance of buildings; solar photovoltaic systems; solar heating systems; heat pumps for heating & cooling; shallow-ground geothermal systems; solar and UV radiation monitoring
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Dr. Rebecca Dalli Gonzi

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Guest Editor

Department of Construction and Property Management, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD2080, Malta
Interests: sustainable construction methods; project management and strategic planning; geopolitical and environmental risk management

Dr. Paul Refalo

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Guest Editor

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
Interests: resource efficiency; sustainable manufacturing; sustainable water treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Marie Avellino

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Guest Editor

Associate Professor, Institute for Tourism, Travel and Culture, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD2080, Malta
Interests: sustainable tourism development; culture and social capital; women's roles in tourism and society; marketing and strategy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on research advances carried out at the University of Malta on the topic of sustainability in its widest meaning, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 100 scholars from the University of Malta who have authored or co-authored papers on this topic, it is natural to dedicate a Special Issue that addresses sustainability in a holistic and synergistic manner for different facets from the sustainable energy, water and food supply nexus to sustainable living, communities, health, industry, seas and land. The contribution to the science of climate change and climate mitigation, as well as the associated horizontal topics such as social, political and economic aspects, can all be addressed. The papers will help to bring insights and solutions to pressing issues that affect the local, regional, national, European and international sustainability. This Special Issue is open to all potential authors working at the University of Malta and to their co-authors from other institutions.

Prof. Dr. Charles Yousif
Dr. Rebecca Dalli Gonzi
Dr. Paul Refalo
Prof. Dr. Marie Avellino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at mdpi.longhoe.net by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

renewable energy
climate change, mitigation and adaptation
marine conservation
environment and biodiversity protection
legal and social responsibility
health and well-being promotion
educational innovation
green materials
artificial intelligence
sustainable engineering
sustainability reporting by tourism operators
well-being tourism
responsible tourism
socializing tourism
sustainable tourism

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Seismic Monitoring Tool for Tidal-Forced Aquifer Level Changes in the Río de la Plata Coastal Plain, Argentina

by Luciano Galone, Francesco Panzera, Emanuele Colica, Enrique Fucks, Eleonora Carol, Francisco Cellone, Lluís Rivero, Matthew R. Agius and Sebastiano D’Amico

Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041432 - 8 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Ambient seismic noise has gained extensive applications in seismology and plays a pivotal role in environmental seismic studies. This study focuses on the Río de la Plata Coastal Plain, employing the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method on ambient seismic noise records to analyze subsurface dynamics. The region’s hydrogeology is complex, featuring partially interconnected coastal aquifers. The HVSR analysis reveals two peaks, with P₀ associated with the sediment-basement interface and P₁ linked to a shallower stratigraphic discontinuity. Temporal analysis of P₁ highlights cyclical patterns correlated with estuarine levels, suggesting a relationship between variations in seismic velocities and tidal dynamics. Comparisons with aquifer data support the hypothesis that tidal variations influence subsurface mechanical properties, impacting the HVSR function. The study hints at the potential of ambient seismic noise analysis as a non-invasive and cost-effective method for studying coastal aquifers and understanding groundwater dynamics. Ongoing research aims to further explore these relationships for enhanced groundwater resource management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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40 pages, 4029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Agricultural Use and Disposal of Plastics in Malta

by Rainer Borg and Margaret Camilleri-Fenech

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16030954 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

The use of plastics in agriculture has become so omnipresent that it has acquired its own lexicon, and it is now known as “plasticulture”. However, since compared to other industries, plastic consumption in agriculture is low, little attention has been paid to this material and its eventual disposal. This disregard is evident within both local and international statistics and policies, despite the close connection its disposal bears to soil health, making correct disposal a prerequisite for improving the health and sustainability of food production processes. Using Malta as a case study, this research utilizes quantitative and qualitative tools to identify and quantify the most common types of agricultural plastic waste generated and to determine the attitudes of farmers towards the establishment of a collection and recycling scheme. While the results indicate that for 38% of respondents, the incineration and plowing of plastic waste are regular practices, they also ascertain the willingness of farmers to acquire additional knowledge about more appropriate methods to dispose of this waste stream, thus guiding policy makers towards the need to initiate educational measures for farmers to prevent these harmful practices. The stakeholder interviews highlight that the present lack of data is a major obstacle, preventing policy from taking this waste stream into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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26 pages, 7305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimising Mechanical Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort in a Mediterranean School Building

by Krista Rizzo, Mark Camilleri, Damien Gatt and Charles Yousif

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020766 - 16 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2220

Abstract

The growing concern over indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort in classrooms, especially post-COVID-19, underscores the critical need for optimal ventilation systems to bolster students’ health and academic performance. This study explores the potential for improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort in the most energy- and cost-optimal manner using a demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system coupled with a carbon dioxide control sensor. This is achieved through precooling via night purging in summer and by introducing warmer corridor air into the classroom in winter. The methodology employs both computer simulation and a real-world case study. The findings reveal that while natural ventilation in winter can achieve IAQ standard (EN 16798-1) thresholds for classrooms under favourable outdoor conditions, it results in uncontrolled and excessive energy loss. The retrofitted DCV system, however, maintained CO₂ levels below the recommended thresholds for at least 76% of the year depending on classroom orientation and only exceeded 1000 ppm for a maximum of 6% of the year. This study also indicates that utilising the external corridor as a sunspace can further enhance the system’s efficiency by preheating incoming air. This comprehensive study highlights the significant potential for integrating mechanical and passive solutions in school ventilation systems. This contributes to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 and ensures healthier and more energy-efficient learning environments that benefit both students and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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33 pages, 5473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Approach to Determine Multi-Tiered Nearly Zero-Energy Performance Benchmarks Using Probabilistic Reference Buildings and Risk Analysis Approaches

by Damien Gatt, Charles Yousif, Maurizio Cellura, Francesco Guarino, Kenneth Scerri and Ilenia Tinnirello

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010456 - 4 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1853

Abstract

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) mandates European Union Member States (MS) to conduct cost-optimal studies using the national calculation methodology (NCM), typically through non-calibrated asset-rating software. Nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) levels must be derived for each chosen Reference Building (RB), which are generally defined using deterministic parameters. Previous research proposed an innovative cost-optimal method that replaces ‘non-calibrated deterministic RBs’ with ‘probabilistically Bayesian calibrated reference building (RB)’ to better handle building stock uncertainties and diversities when deriving benchmarks. This paper aims to develop a framework to address two research gaps necessary for the successful application of the innovative cost optimal method: (1) providing objective criteria for defining NZEB benchmarks and (2) propagating uncertainties and financial risk for each defined benchmark. A robust approach for defining NZEB benchmarks according to four different ambition levels (low, medium, high, and highest) was developed by objectively considering distinct points from multiple cost-optimal plots employing different financial perspectives. Risk analysis is then performed for each defined benchmark by propagating risk from the posterior calibration parameter distributions to visualize and statistically quantify the financial risk, including robust risk, that the private investor could face for reaching each derived benchmark ambition level. The innovative cost-optimal methodology that incorporates the developed framework was applied to a hotel RB case study. The results showed that the developed framework is capable of deriving distinct benchmarks and quantitatively uncovering the full financial risk levels for the four different renovation ambition levels. The current cost-optimal method was also performed for the hotel case study with the RB defined determinitically and using the non-calibrated NCM software, SBEM-mt v4.2c. It was found that the financial feasibility and energy-saving results per benchmark are significantly more realistic and transparent for the proposed innovative cost-optimal method including a better match between the simulated and metered energy consumption with a difference of less than 1% in annual performance. Thus, the performance gap between calculated and actual energy performance that is synonymous with the EPBD methodology, as reported in the literature, is bridged. The case study also showed the importance of the risk analysis. Performing the cost-optimal analysis for a Bayesian calibrated RB using the mean value of the posterior calibrated parameter distributions without propagating uncertainty produced highly optimistic results that obscured the real financial risk for achieving the higher ambition levels of the NZEB benchmarks. Consequently, the developed framework demonstrated a time-bound tightening approach to achieve higher energy performance ambitions, improve risk transparency to private investors, and facilitate more targeted policies towards a net zero-carbon status. Thus, the proposed method considering parameter uncertainty and calibrated RBs is instrumental for devising robust policy measures for the EPBD, to achieve a realistic and long-lasting sustainable energy goal for European buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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19 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participatory Policy Packaging for Transport Backcasting: A Pathway for Reducing CO₂ Emissions from Transport in Malta

by Rosalie Camilleri, Maria Attard and Robin Hickman

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010430 - 3 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1299

Abstract

Significant emission reductions are needed in the transport sector to reach climate change mitigation objectives. Backcasting, a type of scenario-analysis approach, is a useful tool for the analysis of possible alternative transport futures and strategies to arrive at these futures when the business-as-usual projection is no longer sustainable. The backcasting approach consists of establishing desirable futures and examining the pathways by which those futures can be reached. This paper focuses on the policy packaging phase of a transport backcasting study carried out in the context of Malta as a case study. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature on transport and climate change using the case of Malta, which presents a context of high dependency on private cars and difficulty in transitioning to sustainable mobility. This paper tests the usefulness of a practice-based approach to transport backcasting. The results of this backcasting framework are a set of climate policies that target different elements of mobility practices and suggest that interventions for sustainable mobility should go beyond transport and target other spheres of social life. Collaboration between stakeholders and participation of citizens during the backcasting process was key to making the policy design process more participatory. Results of this study show how new approaches can open possibilities for a transition towards more sustainable mobility and contribute to widening the knowledge in the field of transport backcasting studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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19 pages, 10151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Full-Scale Design, Implementation and Testing of an Innovative Photovoltaic Cooling System (IPCoSy)

by Ryan Bugeja, Luciano Mule’ Stagno and Ioannis Niarchos

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16900; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416900 - 16 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1228

Abstract

The field efficiency of silicon-based solar cells is dependent on various factors including temperature. An increase in temperature results in a reduced efficiency of a magnitude dependent on the solar cell’s temperature coefficient. Furthermore, an increase in solar cell temperatures beyond levels specified by the manufacturer will result in a reduced lifetime and an increased probability of potential induced degradation and even failure. Researchers have created different cooling technologies to keep the solar cells’ operating temperatures to a minimum. However, no cooling technology in the literature is adequate for both land and offshore PV installations. A patented Innovative Photovoltaic Cooling System (IPCoSy) is presented in this paper. Previously published results have confirmed the cooling effect and feasibility using small-scale prototypes. This paper presents the design challenges and results of the full-scale implementation. The full-scale prototypes are the same size as commercially available photovoltaic modules, making them easier to integrate in the current market. Therefore, this research presents the results of testing full-scale prototypes while addressing challenges related to structural integrity and fluid dynamics. The findings of this research showed that the positive effects of this cooling technology range from more than a 9% increase in PV electrical energy yield, and thermal efficiencies of up to 56%. Finally, the outcome of this research will contribute towards the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of affordable and clean energy through direct operational efficiency improvements in PV systems, as well as the enhanced tap** of solar energy for renewable thermal energy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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17 pages, 12143 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential for Timed Cities in Malta: The Case of Paola

by Sarah Scheiber, Thérèse Bajada, Wendy Jo Mifsud and Steve C. Montebello

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16397; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316397 - 28 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1192

Abstract

With ever-increasing interest in the Timed City concept and active mobility-related initiatives that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, several cities in the developed Western world have engaged in projects to move towards sustainable mobility. Malta is a car-dependent small Island State with the highest population density in the European Union. Its transport planning policy, leading to ever-increasing car dependency, is having serious detrimental impacts on environmental, social and economic aspects. The archipelago’s urban environment and demographics provide an ideal context for studying the Timed City concept. This research therefore tests the applicability of the Timed City concept to the Maltese context. A mixed method case study methodology is adopted using GIS and PGIS. Paola, a dense urban locality in Malta of over 9000 inhabitants and spanning 2.5 km², was chosen. Relevant datasets are mapped out in GIS using ArcGIS Desktop 10.8. Qualitative research to gauge the user perspective using PGIS is ongoing. This paper presents the spatial analysis of the quantitative GIS data and discusses the findings in relation to the current literature. Ultimately, the data indicate undiscovered potential for the Timed City concept to be successfully adapted to such urban contexts, while identifying specific areas requiring improvement and concluding with suggestions for policy intervention and future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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20 pages, 2841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Growth in a Mediterranean Island-State: A Data-Driven Study of Malta’s Development Permits in the Last Thirty Years

by Andrea Pace, Maria Attard, Michel Camilleri and Gianluca Valentino

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16063; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216063 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1388

Abstract

Land is a natural resource, and settlement development is central for human activities. The growth of settlements comes at the expense of natural and agricultural land. Understanding urban growth dynamics, defined in this study as new urban development, can lead to an increased awareness of the stresses on land resources and the suitability of current land use policies. It can also reflect how changes in the economic cycles and planning policies can influence these dynamics. This is even more critical in small island states, where land is a scarce resource. This study uses data extracted from development-planning applications between 1993 and 2019 in order to understand urban growth in the island-state of Malta. A methodology was developed to (i) use web-scra** techniques to extract development-planning applications data from a public online database in order to define development descriptors, (ii) establish keywords that imply growth within the urban area, and (iii) analyse growth in view of local planning zones and regulations. The results show that over the years, there has been a decrease in the share of granted development-planning applications that lead to the growth of the urban area when compared to those granted applications permitting other forms of development, such as that linked to minor modifications to existing buildings and restoration works amongst others. Nonetheless, the absolute number of granted development-planning applications resulting in growth has increased, particularly in the last construction boom (post 2013). The share of applications denoting growth granted within the development zone has remained stable throughout the years. The years with the highest numbers of permits granted outside the development zone, where there was a disposition against development, were 2017 and 2018. In conclusion, the trends and patterns resulting from development cycles were analysed and discussed. The outcomes of this work will lead to better measurement of urban growth in Malta and assess the efficacy of current national development-planning policies. This is in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims at making “cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable”. The research specifically addresses Target 11a, which is focused on supporting “positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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Review

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17 pages, 476 KiB

Open AccessReview

Approaches to Foster Young Children’s Engagement with Climate Action: A Sco** Review

by Jane Spiteri

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14604; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914604 - 9 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant risk to young children (birth to eight years). Early childhood education and care is believed to play a pivotal role in guaranteeing young children’s understanding of sustainability issues and climate change. Yet how education translates into climate action in early childhood is still unknown, and there is a need for research to explore the approaches that may be deployed to foster young children’s engagement with climate action. This sco** review aims to identify and describe the existing literature highlighting the approaches used in early childhood education to foster climate action amongst young children; map the gaps in this emerging field of inquiry; and make recommendations for areas of future research to address this problem. These findings offer potential priorities for educators, researchers and policymakers to develop climate change education programmes that are meaningful to young children in the early years. Based on the findings, areas for interventions related to climate literacy and climate change education, which may be helpful in raising awareness of climate change among young children, will be outlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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Other

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14 pages, 535 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Improving Sustainability, Climate Resilience and Pandemic Preparedness in Small Islands: A Systematic Literature Review

by Stefano Moncada and Luca Nguyen

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020550 - 9 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1291

Abstract

Small islands are often disproportionately impacted by external shocks, and the manner in which they build resilience is increasingly important in the face of climate change and health crises, thus impacting the attainment of their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper discusses the results of a systematic literature review (PRISMA protocol) that set out to examine which resilience-building measures are adopted by small islands to overcome the incidence of two shocks happening simultaneously: climate change and COVID-19. This is in line with the objectives set by SDG 13 (targets 13.1/13.3) and SDG 3 (targets 3.8/3.d). While 16,369 studies fulfilled the criterion of jointly assessing pandemic, health and climate, only 662 of these mentioned small islands. Moreover, 42 studies fulfilled additional screening criteria. Within these studies, we examined whether a planetary health approach, which recognises the links between environment and health systems, was adopted. The results show that in small islands, and for such shocks in tandem, a planetary health approach is scarcely considered. However, specific actions to strengthen resilience were documented to have been effective when facing climate and health crises, which we categorised as: (i) the management of short-term risks; (ii) community actions; (iii) local government support; and (iv) long-term strategic planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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35 pages, 10114 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Smart and Sustainable Human-Centred Workstations for Operators with Disability in the Age of Industry 5.0: A Systematic Review

by Amberlynn Bonello, Emmanuel Francalanza and Paul Refalo

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010281 - 28 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1243

Abstract

The World Bank has reported that over one billion individuals have a disability, implying that almost fifteen percent of the global inhabitants are susceptible to undergoing levels of discrimination, especially in employment. This issue may prevail on a manufacturing shop floor, whereby a wave of standardisation dominates such as in the design of shop floor workstations. Despite advances made in the literature, people with disabilities are still siloed from manufacturing. Consequently, the aim of this research work was to analyse literature’s current state of the art on the design of workstations for operators with disabilities within the context of Industry 5.0, where sustainability, human-centricity, and resilience are upheld. The study employed a systematic review of 69 publications from Scopus and Google Scholar published between 2013 and 2023, adhering to the updated PRISMA guidelines to identify the major research gaps. The review contributes an understanding of the current academic and industrial limitations such as the absence of social applicability of Industry 4.0 technology, the rift between academic knowhow and industrial implementation, and the lack of alignment with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Additionally, the review uncovered an absence in work bridging four disciplines together: workstation design, Industry 5.0, sustainability, and disability. An unprecedented understanding of the interdependency between all four disciplines within the remit of smart, sustainable, and inclusive manufacturing workstations is contributed. This review proposes directions amidst the four most relevant SDGs—SDGs 8, 9, 10, and 12 to the topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability Research at the University of Malta)

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