Energy poverty remains an urgent social and economic challenge, exacerbated by rising energy costs, climate change, and inequalities in access to renewable technologies. Renewable energy communities (RECs) offer a promising approach that combines local energy production, democratic participation, and shared benefits, with the potential to reduce costs and improve energy access for vulnerable households. However, their effectiveness depends on economic viability, equitable distribution of benefits, regulatory support, and active community involvement. This study is relevant in that it assesses the viability, critical success factors, and benefit-sharing mechanisms of a photovoltaic REC, providing insights into how such models can foster sustainable, inclusive, and socially cohesive energy transitions. The analysis assesses the profitability of an 80 kW photovoltaic system for a REC located in Northern Italy. The project’s profitability ranges from 2556 to 5791 €/kW for self-consumption levels of 30

The transition to sustainable energy systems requires increasing attention to the challenge of energy poverty. In this context, Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are emerging as promising tools for promoting both decarbonization and social equity. This study aims to develop and test a new benefit-sharing model within RECs, designed to support vulnerable consumers through differentiated pricing mechanisms and targeted allocation of incentives. The methodology is based on a discounted cash flow analysis implemented in dedicated Python-based software (S-REC), which simulates energy, economic, and social flows within a REC configuration that includes prosumers and consumers with varying levels of vulnerability. The results show that the proposed benefit-sharing model improves both economic performance and social equity. Across the scenarios analyzed, the Net Present Value per unit of installed capacity (NPV/Size) ranges from 2680 €/kW to 5064 €/kW, the Profitability Index (PI) increases from 2.22 to 3.30, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) varies between 32 % and 70 %, and the Discounted Payback Time (DPBT) decreases from 5 to 2 years. In addition, vulnerable households reduce their annual energy expenditure below the 10 % energy poverty threshold through differentiated tariffs and targeted incentive transfers. The model also demonstrates that tailored redistribution mechanisms are more effective than uniform allocation approaches in directing support to households experiencing energy poverty. These findings suggest that RECs can serve as effective energy welfare tools, combining economic efficiency with social inclusion and contributing to a more just and resilient energy transition.

In the current landscape, the sustainable development goals (SDGs) represent one of the main frameworks for addressing major global challenges, from the climate crisis to the reduction of inequalities [...]

Electronic waste, and particularly that involving waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), represents one of the fastest growing waste streams globally, posing both environmental challenges and opportunities for valuable metal recovery. This study aims to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a modified patented process for recycling WPCBs, with a focus on evaluating both recovery performance and the investment's economic sustainability. The methodology combines a technical assessment - based on the process description and the material and energy balance for a plant capacity of 500 t/year - with an economic evaluation derived from a detailed cash flow analysis. The results demonstrate excellent recovery rates for base metals, while precious metals show lower yet still significant yields, with gold recovery approaching 80 %. In the baseline scenario, net present value (NPV) is estimated at 46.7 million . The sensitivity analysis reveals that, depending on the price of gold, NPV ranges from 20.2 to 50.9 million , with a break-even point at a gold price of 4148 /kg. Sensitivity and stress testing confirm that gold price is the most critical factor, followed by metal purity and WPCB purchase costs. Nevertheless, even under adverse conditions, NPV remains positive, reinforcing the overall economic robustness of the project. The managerial implications highlight the strategic potential of WPCB recycling as a sustainable technology enhancing resource security, advancing circular economy objectives and delivering longterm competitive advantages for both industry and policymakers.

Knowledge of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) is a major challenge today, as climate change is now a given. However, care must be taken to make the right choices that will lead to change and a balance of interests among the various stakeholders. Schools have a fundamental role to play, with a vision that must look to the future. This study aims to define how individual characteristics and perceptions of educational experience influence awareness and commitment to sustainability principles. To this end, an online survey was conducted in Italy involving 556 participants. The results show that greater knowledge of the SDGs is strongly correlated with greater environmental awareness, recognition of the active role of schools in sustainability, and a greater propensity to adopt sustainable behaviors. Furthermore, it emerges that the perception of being well informed about environmental issues and support for concrete sustainability actions are key factors for SDG awareness. From a practical perspective, the findings provide useful insights for school managers and policymakers on how to promote sustainability-oriented educational practices and strengthen the integration of SDG-related knowledge into school management and decision-making processes. This study offers food for thought on the link between schools and related educational models and the level of knowledge that leads to sustainable development.

Industrial companies play a key role in sustainable development, given their significant impact on energy consumption and emissions, which affect the climate. In this context, the integration of battery energy storage (BES) with photovoltaic (PV) systems represents a strategic solution for strengthening energy independence. This study evaluates the economic viability of a 1500 kWh BES integrated with a 1 MW PV system at a large pharmaceutical plant in central Italy, using net present value (NPV). Several scenarios are evaluated, considering BES costs, self-consumption levels, market conditions and policy frameworks with and without capital grants.The results show that the profitability of BES is strongly influenced by the simultaneous alignment of three factors: public support, containment of investment costs and significant enhancement of self-consumption. In the absence of incentives, NPV is negative in all the scenarios analysed; on the contrary, with capital grants, the investment becomes economically sustainable only under particularly favourable conditions, characterised by low CAPEX, high energy purchase prices and significant increases in self-consumption. The break-even point of the increase in self-consumption gradually decreases as the policy framework and market conditions change: from 44% in the scenario without capital grants to 37% with a capital contribution and 31% in the case of a more favourable energy purchase price. Monte Carlo simulation confirms that the increase in self-consumption has a greater impact on profitability than an equivalent reduction in investment costs, highlighting the key role of demand management strategies in supporting the industrial energy transition.

There is an increasing recognition in developed nations of the importance of waste reduction and recycling, in a Circular Economy perspective aiming at reducing waste impact on both public health and environment in the pursue of sustainable growth. In this context, the main objective of this work is to investigate the economic and environmental efficiency of urban waste systems in 89 major towns of each Italian province for the period 2017–2018 by using two alternative approaches for efficiency measurement. More specifically, we implement two Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models and the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) technique by employing the half-normal distributional form for the inefficiency term of the model. The empirical findings show that there is variability among the municipalities analyzed: units located in Northern and Central Italy show higher efficiency scores than Southern Italy units. Moreover, urban waste systems that have adopted door-to-door collection and low tariff level register the highest efficiency scores throughout the period analyzed.

Renewable energy communities (RECs), energy policy, and energy poverty are closely interlinked within the broader context of the ecological transition. The present study investigates participation in RECs, with particular attention to the distribution of economic benefits, perceptions of climate change, misinformation, and policies targeting energy poverty. The research methodology is based on two online surveys conducted in Italy, comprising 403 and 407 respondents respectively. The results highlight a strong preference for RECs, especially among individuals aged 25-50, driven by both environmental and economic motivations. Women demonstrate slightly greater sensitivity to principles of equity and collective action, while energy self-consumption is identified as the most significant criterion for the distribution of benefits. Respondents stated intentions align with a preference for supporting vulnerable households, suggesting that RECs can serve as effective tools for alleviating energy poverty. The sample indicates a heightened perception of climate change severity, particularly among women. Respondents who perceive higher risks attach greater importance to information campaigns and policies aimed at combating energy poverty. Misinformation is attributed to the limited integration of climate issues into educational curricula and the tendency to perceive climate change as a remote concern - both temporally and geographically. Economic incentives for renewable energy, energy efficiency interventions, and the equitable sharing of benefits within RECs are viewed as the most appropriate policy measures. Overall, RECs emerge as vital instruments for advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7, particularly by addressing the escalating challenge of energy poverty, even in high-income countries.

Sustainability in the energy sector requires a pragmatic and interdisciplinary approach. This study analyses the economic profitability and environmental effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems integrated with battery energy storage (BES) systems through a quantitative framework based on Net Present Value analysis, sensitivity analysis, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression and greenhouse gas emission reduction value, using a shopping mall in Rome as a case study. By applying uniform percentage changes to economic and environmental variables, the study identifies the critical factors that influence profitability in different self-consumption scenarios. The results show that, in PV systems, the avoided cost in the electricity bill (energy purchase price) is the most significant lever, especially in contexts with high self-consumption, while the sale price becomes more important when self-consumption is low. In BES systems, increased self-consumption remains the main factor improving profitability, although investment costs continue to have a significant impact. Tax deductions have less impact, especially in mature markets. From an environmental point of view, the reduction in emissions depends heavily on the composition of the fossil fuel mix replaced, with a limited additional environmental impact from BES. The results offer operational guidance for prosumers, energy managers and investors to achieve SDG 7 by optimising self-consumption rate, electricity purchase price, PV+BES investment cost, and the fossil-fuel mix replaced to improve the economic and environmental performance of PV+BES systems.

PurposeThis study investigates how citizens perceive and respond to the increasing consolidation of pharmacies into holding companies. It examines purchasing behaviours, consumer preferences and the social value attributed to these organisational models. The primary objective is to assess whether such aggregations can foster sustainable business ecosystems embedded in local communities - especially in the healthcare sector and in support of biodiversity - moving beyond a focus on economic efficiency alone.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a quantitative approach through an online survey completed by a sample of 405 residents in Italy. The questionnaire explored perceptions of pharmaceutical holding companies, consumer purchasing habits, and expectations regarding product availability, pricing and service delivery. The analysis is framed within the broader context of entrepreneurship and sustainability, with particular attention to ecosystem dynamics.FindingsThe results indicate that consumers primarily value product availability and affordability, while also recognising the social function of pharmacies. Holding companies are generally perceived as capable of reducing costs and expanding business potential. Consumers show a willingness to switch pharmacies if product availability is ensured, and express appreciation for home delivery services - provided they are accompanied by discounts in aggregated models. These findings provide actionable insights for managers of pharmacy holdings, who can leverage customer expectations on price, product availability and service innovation to design more effective operational strategies and sustainable service models towards SDG 3.Originality/valueThis study provides an original perspective on pharmacy management by linking it to sustainable entrepreneurship and the promotion of biodiversity. It offers valuable insights into how aggregated organisational models can contribute to the development of local ecosystems focused on shared value and collective well-being. Beyond describing consumer attitudes, the survey also provides managerial insights, highlighting how pharmacy holdings can balance efficiency with customer trust and translate consumer expectations into operational strategies. By aligning consumer expectations with ecological and social goals, the research enriches the discourse on strategic innovation in sustainable pharmaceutical retail.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of the digital product passport (DPP) to support circular and collaborative ecosystems within the fashion and cosmetics industries. By enhancing transparency, traceability and knowledge exchange across complex supply chains, the DPP is examined as an integrative tool embedding sustainability, open innovation (OI) and knowledge management into organizational practice. The research seeks to reconceptualize sustainability as not merely a compliance obligation but also an empowering process for both producers and consumers. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining two online surveys conducted in the Italian fashion and cosmetics sectors with k-means cluster analysis, principal component analysis and logistic regression. This methodological framework enables consumer segmentation, identification of DPP adoption drivers and an evaluation of the interrelationships among DPP functionalities, sustainability practices and consumer profiles. Findings The results demonstrate that the DPP contributes to the circularity of raw materials, enhances supply chain resilience and facilitates the dissemination of shared knowledge. Two distinct consumer segments are identified: aware consumers, who are attuned to sustainability and digital innovation, and unaware consumers, who prioritize immediate, tangible benefits. Successful DPP implementation depends on aligning its technical capabilities with both organizational readiness and consumer engagement. Originality/value This research conceptualizes the DPP as a socio-technical and cognitive infrastructure integrating knowledge management, OI and circular economy principles. By emphasizing its dual technical and participatory roles, the research highlights the DPP’s strategic value in driving sustainable business transformation. Moreover, it offers actionable insights for promoting responsible consumption and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 12 through digitally enabled, knowledge-intensive collaboration across the value chain.

Corporate sustainability has become a central issue for businesses, driven by environmental, social and governance pressures and stakeholder expectations. The present study aimed to assess how reports and certifications influence motivations, operational practices and perceptions of obstacles, verifying whether these tools promote sustainable maturity regardless of the structural characteristics of businesses. Data were collected through a survey involving 100 companies located in an Italian region (Abruzzo). The results show that the presence of formal sustainability tools (e.g., reports, certifications) significantly influences the motivational profile of companies. Those that adopt them attach greater importance to strategic and external drivers, such as customer demand, competitive advantage and workplace well-being. These companies also show greater implementation of operational practices, particularly in technically intensive environmental areas (e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency, material recycling). The perception of barriers is lower in companies with formal tools, while companies without reports or certifications report higher operating costs, investments and information difficulties. This suggests that formalisation through reports and certifications not only improves the adoption of environmental, social and governance practices, but also reduces perceived barriers and consolidates sustainability as a strategic and operational lever.

Industrial photovoltaic (PV) systems play a strategic role in advancing sustainable production models and supporting the transition toward more resource-efficient industrial processes. As firms seek to reduce electricity price volatility, improve energy efficiency, and comply with climate policies, industrial PV adoption becomes increasingly relevant. However, recent slowdowns in solar deployment and evolving support schemes raise important questions regarding the economic sustainability and policy effectiveness of industrial PV investments.This study develops a policy-oriented framework for the economic assessment of industrial PV investments. The framework combines discounted cash flow analysis with scenario analysis, break-even assessment, and Monte Carlo simulations to account for policy incentives, self-consumption patterns, and market uncertainty, thereby evaluating both profitability and the resilience of investment outcomes. The approach is demonstrated through the application to a 1 MW industrial PV system within the Italian regulatory context.Results demonstrate that industrial PV investments are economically viable across all scenarios. A 45% capital grant raises NPV from 1190 €/kW to 1610 €/kW and reduces the discounted payback period from more than seven years to less than two years, while self-consumption emerges as the primary driver of long-term financial resilience. Risk analysis confirms the robustness of investment performance under adverse conditions. Monetising the avoided CO2 emissions reveals an environmental value of approximately 37,000–63,000 €. The findings provide insights for policymakers and industrial stakeholders, highlighting the central role of self-consumption in strengthening the long-term viability of industrial PV systems under evolving market conditions, while current support mechanisms primarily reduce upfront investment costs.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems integrated with battery energy storage (BES) are central to the energy transition, linking technological innovation with social and behavioural dimensions. This study explores how citizens' choices can contribute to sustainable development in Italy, based on data from an online survey. The results reveal that investment in PV systems is seen as a top priority for a sustainable future, receiving an average score of 8.75/10, while PV + BES integration is rated slightly lower, at 7.90/10. A majority of respondents (55 %) report being unable to modify their energy consumption habits, underscoring the perceived necessity of BES for enhancing self-consumption at both individual and collective levels. Citizens place greater importance on self-consumption than on government incentives and benefits associated with proximity to green energy facilities (e.g., environmental, economic, safety-related). While renewable energy investments strengthen consumer confidence, sustainability has not yet become a decisive factor in purchasing behaviour. The demographic analysis indicates more sustainable behaviour among women and individuals over 30, whereas no significant differences are observed among those living near industrial areas. A cluster analysis further identifies the profiles of citizens most receptive to PV + BES adoption in industrial contexts. Overall, the study demonstrates that citizens' behaviours and preferences are pivotal in the uptake of renewable energy technologies. Understanding these social dynamics, in conjunction with technological advancements, is vital to progressing the sustainable energy transition and supporting Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 9. The present findings suggest that policies fostering self-consumption and investment in PV + BES systems may effectively integrate environmental, economic, and social benefits while promoting citizen engagement in energy sustainability.

The transition to sustainable business models in the catering sector requires the integration of environmental innovation with economic feasibility. Restaurants, as energy-intensive businesses, represent a strategic context for assessing the financial viability of renewable energy technologies. This study evaluates the economic viability of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BES) systems in Italy. The analysis evaluates the project under different policy conditions, with and without public incentives (40 % capital deduction on investment costs), and identifies the key factors that influence their profitability. A comprehensive methodology combining financial and sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, LASSO regression, break-even point and Monte Carlo simulations was applied to assess economic performance and risk. The results show that the PV system is profitable in both contexts, although incentives significantly improve returns: from 425 to 1590 /kW. Profitability depends mainly on specific production, the cost of purchasing electricity and the percentage of self-consumption. For the BES, profitability only occurs when self-consumption increases by at least 22-25 % with incentives and 30-35 % without them. Overall, the results emphasise that policy support and management strategies to optimise selfconsumption are key to ensuring financial profitability. This work enables restaurant owners to identify the variables that most strongly influence the final outcome, helping them mitigate risks and maximise returns, while supporting more informed decisions that contribute to long-term sustainable development.

Technological change and the increasing use of electronic devices have made electronic waste one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide, posing significant environmental and social challenges. Thus, understanding consumer behaviour regarding the purchase, use and disposal of electronic products is key to developing effective circular economy strategies. This study aims to investigate the determinants of purchasing decisions, replacement habits and end-of-life management of electronic devices by Italian consumers, with a focus on generational and gender differences. An online questionnaire with 407 respondents was administered, and the data were analysed using statistical tests, principal component analysis and K-means clustering. The results highlighted a good level of environmental awareness, not always accompanied by consistent behaviour. Only a minority of consumers knew where to dispose of end-of-life devices (29.48%), resulting in domestic accumulation (53.04%). However, growing attention to product repairability emerged, alongside greater confidence in the refurbished market compared to the second-hand market. From a generational perspective, young people showed interest in design and innovation, but less responsibility in disposal, while older age groups were more aware and informed. Finally, economic incentives emerged as the most effective measure for guiding sustainable behaviour (30.71%). Distinct behavioural patterns and motivations were found across consumer groups, requiring differentiated strategies: educational initiatives for younger individuals, economic incentives for those with limited resources and premium programmes for eco-conscious consumers. The results suggest that effective policies to reduce electronic waste should integrate incentives, targeted information campaigns and enhanced collection infrastructures, fostering responsible consumption and greater citizen engagement in circular economy practices.

Sustainability is a fundamental global challenge that requires an integrated approach capable of balancing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. In recent years, a wide range of indicators has been proposed in the literature to evaluate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To effectively monitor and manage this progress, the application of robust and reliable analytical models is essential. This study employs two established methods—min–max normalization and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)—to assess the performance of European countries based on 76 SDG indicators provided by Eurostat for the year 2022. The analysis shows strong consistency between the two methodologies when all indicators are assigned equal weight. Sweden ranks first in both assessments, followed by Denmark and the Netherlands, with Ireland and Belgium also achieving high scores. In contrast, Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria consistently rank at the bottom according to both methods. The study also disaggregates the results by dimension, highlighting Germany’s leading performance in the environmental category, Sweden’s dominance in the social dimension, and its strong performance across all three. Denmark also excels in the social dimension, while the Netherlands stands out in the economic category. Three key recommendations emerge from the analysis: (i) strengthen European cohesion policies to reduce disparities in sustainability performance across countries; (ii) promote integrated strategies that enhance the interconnections among the various indicators; and (iii) invest in improving both the availability and quality of sustainability-related data throughout Europe.

Sustainability challenges require advanced and integrated approaches. The key role of SDG 7 can be supported by photovoltaic (PV) systems, which reduce grid dependence during sunlight hours, and by battery energy storage (BES) systems, which enable energy to be stored and utilized when solar generation is not available. The aim of this work is to provide multiple layers of analysis to support the development of integrated PV + BES systems in commercial buildings located in Italy. To this end, the study proposes methodologies based on multicriteria decision analysis, the discounted cash flow method, and includes a quantification of emission reduction levels. The results of the strategic analysis show that the interviewed experts recommend the implementation of a 50% tax deduction to support investment. The profitability of PV systems ranges from 548 to 1831 /kW, depending on the market scenario. For specific levels of self-consumption, no significant economic risks are identified. The integration of a BES system proves to be economically viable depending on the market context: with positive outcomes in 13%-20% of cases under the High Market scenario, and 26%-40% under the Low Market scenario. This confirms that the economic feasibility of BES integration mainly depends on the avoided electricity costs and the increase in self-consumption. Although the adoption of storage systems slightly reduces the environmental benefit, an integrated PV + BES system can still achieve a reduction of 77 tCO2eq in the first year. These findings, obtained through a multidisciplinary approach, confirm that renewable energy applied to public buildings contributes directly to sustainable development.

In recent decades, photovoltaic (PV) energy has experienced significant global growth. In this context, Italy has long been recognised as a pioneering country - a position it maintains despite a recent slowdown in installed capacity. The residential sector is essential for fostering sustainable development, with prosumers exemplifying citizen-driven contributions to the ecological transition. The present study undertook a strategic analysis to propose a suitable incentive policy to support residential PV adoption. A predominant recommendation among scholars and experts was the implementation of a 70 % tax deduction over a 10-year period. An economic analysis was conducted for individual PV systems and systems integrated with battery energy storage (BES), assessing both current and prospective policy environments. The results showed that net present value increased by approximately 330 /kW, representing the potential economic benefit to prosumers. Installation profitability was strongly influenced by the percentage of self-consumption and the avoided cost of electricity, with policy incentives serving as catalysts for new investments. The analysis identified the minimum increase in selfconsumption needed for integrated PV + BES systems to surpass the profitability of standalone PV systems: 15-34 % in the current policy scenario and 11-28 % in the proposed alternative scenario. Consequently, the integration of PV + BES systems appears essential for the development of sustainable cities, with prosumers playing a crucial role in advancing the green transition towards SDG 7.

The creation of pharmacy holding companies today is not merely a strategic choice but increasingly a necessity, driven by evolving market dynamics, regulatory changes, and the growing complexity of management. This paper explores how these companies can play a transformative role by enhancing sustainable lifestyles and unlocking new business opportunities, which are both central to their development strategy. To address this, a multi-criteria decision analysis is proposed, combining the compensatory methods AHP and TOPSIS, based on insights from four categories of experts. The results show a notable correlation between the AHP and TOPSIS values, although the rankings diverge. TOPSIS identifies business opportunities as the main driver behind a pharmacy owner's decision to join a holding, whereas AHP highlights the importance of lifestyle improvements and better working conditions. Expert perspectives also vary: managers and academics emphasize lifestyle factors, consultants focus on market potential, and pharmacists prioritize acquisition costs. Pharmacy holding companies, by evolving from shareholder-driven to stakeholder-oriented models, are positioned to place the customer at the center, expanding services and redistributing benefits generated by the new structure. A business strategy aligned with this model can contribute meaningfully to the achievement of SDGs 3 and 8.