Adopting the circular economy concept is of paramount significance for sustainable development, societal metamorphosis, and alleviating pressures on natural systems. This paradigm shift transcends linear consumption models, championing a resource-efficient system where conservation, renewal, and judicious resource use prevail. Integral to this transformation are value chains, pivotal in reshaping production methods, prolonging product longevity, and advocating reuse and recycling. A cornerstone tool in translating circular economy principles into action is Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). LCA meticulously evaluates products' holistic environmental, social, and economic ramifications, pinpointing areas for enhancement and empowering informed decisions towards sustainability. A profound grasp of the circular economy coupled with instrumental tools such as LCA facilitates the sustainable stewardship of resources, an imperative for harmonizing human advancement with environmental preservation in times ahead.

Strategic logistics planning is used by management to define action plans that will enable organizations to always make decisions that are in the organization’s best interests. They are based on a knowledge repository of business experiences, which is usually represented by a centralized, organized, and searchable digital system where organizations store and manage critical institutional knowledge. Thus, an institutional knowledge base provides sustainability, making the experiences readily available while keeping them well organized. In this research, the experiences of logistics experts from selected scholarly designs for six-sigma business improvement projects have been collected, classified, and organized to form a logistics knowledge management system. Although originally meant to facilitate current and future decisions in strategic logistics planning of the cooperating companies, it is also used in logistics education to introduce knowledge-based engineering principles to enterprise strategic planning, based on continuous improvement of quality-related product or process performance indicators. The main goal of this article is to highlight the benefits of knowledge-based engineering over the established ontological logistics knowledge base in smart production, based on the predisposition that ontological institutional knowledge base management is more efficient, adaptable, and sustainable.

The European Union (EU) has implemented several strategies, including the zero-waste initiative, to minimize waste generation and enhance resource efficiency. Slovenia demonstrates this policy with the “Zero Waste Municipalities” project, which has shown notable success, but also highlights opportunities for further improvement. This study assesses the effectiveness of zero-waste initiatives and municipal solid waste management (MSWM) strategies across Slovenian municipalities using Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). MFA results from eight municipalities indicate that biowaste (averaging 42.49 %) and paper (21.78 %) constitute the largest fractions of collected municipal waste. LCA results highlight that, on a per capita basis, environmental impacts in urban areas are generally lower than in rural areas for glass, wood, biowaste, and plastic waste streams, but higher for metal and paper. Scenario modelling for Ljubljana demonstrates that meeting the EU recycling targets for 2025 and 2030 would lead to substantial reductions in environmental impacts—especially in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP). Specifically, achieving the 2030 targets could reduce CO2 emissions from paper, plastic, and wood waste by 52 %, 25 %, and 77 %, respectively, compared to current baseline recycling ratios. The integration of MFA and LCA provides a comprehensive and quantitative assessment and insight into current waste management practices in Slovenian municipalities, accelerating a transition towards zero waste and circular municipalities. The findings offer valuable information for decision-makers, researchers and stakeholders aligning local waste management strategies with broader EU objectives.

Rapid technological innovations are changing the jobs that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students are employed in after completing their education. Therefore, employers are looking for applicants with skills beyond the specialised professional competencies that can be acquired in the chosen subjects during formal education. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have an important role to play in this process, as they endeavour to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge for future jobs. Our study aims to identify the key competencies that Slovenian and Norwegian companies expect from graduates of selected STEM degree programmes in both countries. Based on these findings, the participating HEIs can tailor their degree programmes to the employability requirements of companies. This study first analysed European and international recommendations and initiatives relevant to skills development in STEM employment and education. We selected 30 key competencies and included them in the questionnaires in which companies’ human resources managers (HRMs) defined their attitudes towards employability skills in the future. We focused on companies employing graduates of the Ecotechnologies and Civil and Environmental Engineering programmes of the participating HEIs. The analysis of the results showed that companies in the two countries have different attitudes towards skills. Four competencies were identified as more important in both countries: (i) management and design of processes, technologies, and people’s work, (ii) adaptation to changes, (iii) ability to manage uncertainty, and (iv) innovation. Based on the analysis, we have developed a framework of ten employability skills for STEM students. In addition, this study provides the basis for operating a decision support system (DSS) to monitor the development of students’ competencies. The DSS is being developed as part of the RESPO-VI project supported by the Norway Grants to better match the skills of STEM students as future job seekers with the needs of potential employers. The study’s results will also help other formal and non-formal education adapt their curricula and thus reduce the employability skill gaps between current STEM education and future labour market needs.

In our study, we are evaluating the dynamic interplay between circular cities and the circular economy, revealing connections shaped by new research insights, using Web of Science database. We have in depth analysed 671 publications from 1990 to mid-2023, employing Leximancer and VOSviewer tools. Our analysis uncovered key themes, including buildings, waste management, value chains, and sustainable development, linking the circular cities concept and circular economy framework. Emerging research trends, such as urban metabolism, urban mining, governance models, the built environment, sustainability benchmarks, and value chain management, signify deliberate shifts towards higher circular development and implementation. These trajectories harmonise with overarching sustainable development goals. Contemporary research emphasises urban mining, circular indicators, adaptive resource reuse, and urban structure regeneration. This focus facilitates transitioning from linear models to heightened circularity within urban contexts. Research inclination is shifting from traditional economic and environmental concerns towards holistic urban configurations that prioritise social integration, communal well-being, and the dynamics of the social economy. Through this analytical expedition, we offer novel insights that enhance our understanding of the intricate symbiosis between circular cities and the circular economy. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for formulating targeted strategies by decision-makers and guiding urban landscapes towards transformative trajectories aligned with sustainable development objectives and sustainable cities.

Urban areas have a considerable impact on the environment. Among the sectors contributing to the environmental impacts is plastic product usage, resulting in urban plastic waste accumulation. There exists a need to determine and evaluate plastic flows and their environmental impacts in urban areas. Our research comprehended the modelling of the eight most commonly used plastic polymers in a system of a European city with 10ˆ5 inhabitants for the year 2020. A scenario analysis was conducted, considering the European Union's policy of achieving a 65 % recycling rate by 2035. Plastic production contributes to most environmental impacts during the life cycle, where polyurethane, polystyrene and other plastic types are at the forefront. The results per waste management options revealed that recycling is still preferable for plastic waste, followed by incineration and landfill. Recycling potential was further noted during the scenario analysis, where an increased recycling fraction following the EU's policy could decrease the environmental impacts of global warming by a margin of 20 %–45 % and fossil resource scarcity by a margin of 20 %–52 % per individual plastic polymer. While the established model indicates potential benefits, improved data collecting, and further research are needed to improve the model and establish a plastic nexus within urban areas.

A resilient supply chain is crucial for economic growth and the well-being of economies. However, it contributes to environmental challenges, such as resource extraction, material usage, climate change and biodiversity. This Special Volume of the Journal of Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Global Challenges explores current research directions and challenges while offering solutions for sustainable supply chains. The volume examines existing European policy directives and strategies to comprehensively understand sustainable supply chain requirements. It conducts a content analysis of the current research in the field. The authors present valuable theoretical insights and empirical case studies addressing the interplay between sustainable supply chains, economic growth, and environmental impact mitigation. The papers in this Special Volume highlight the holistic and interconnected nature of the supply chain field and emphasise that there is still significant potential for improving supply chain processes to enhance their sustainability.

A result-oriented engagement system for performance optimisation (RESPO) has been developed to systematically monitor and improve the competencies of individuals in business, lifelong learning and secondary schools. The RESPO expert system was transferred for use in higher education institutions (HEIs) based on successful practical application trials. The architecture and functionality of the original RESPO expert system have been transformed into a new format that will collect information on the required competencies and the available educational programmes to help students effectively develop competencies through formal and non-formal education. First, the initial version of the RESPO system and its functionality were tested on a selected group of students and higher education staff to validate and improve its effectiveness for the needs of HEIs. This paper summarises the key findings and recommendations of the validators for transforming the RESPO application into an application for HEIs. In addition, the selection of competencies in the RESPO application database has been adapted to align with selected study programmes and the need to develop sustainability-related competencies. These findings can support professionals working in higher education institutions in developing students’ future competencies and fostering the targeted use of learning analytics tools.

Cities play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development. Decision-makers require assistance in developing city transformation plans amidst the emergence of various city models. A content analysis using concept mapping was conducted to examine smart, circular, and green city models. The analysis, supported by Leximancer, revealed that city models are evolving by adopting beneficial solutions from competitors, reflecting a strong focus on sustainable development. Additionally, twenty-four research areas essential for implementing a circular city were identified and validated. Furthermore, a conceptual model for a circular city was developed, incorporating the Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control tool and a problem-solving system. Testing the model on Maribor highlighted challenges in monitoring the transition towards circularity. The study validates the established model but emphasises the need for further research and case studies to verify its practicality. This scientific research enhances the understanding of city models and their evolution towards sustainability, providing valuable insights for decision-makers and urban planners. Graphical abstract

In this paper, we derived competences from previously developed competence models, ensuring the effective use of advanced technologies in future factories to improve the sustainability of their business models and strategies. Based on the analysis of the Hogan competence model and competence models for sustainability and leadership, we compiled a selection of competences for digitalisation, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and soft competences such as emotional intelligence and cultural literacy. We also included competences required for sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and circular economy. The selected competences formed the core for the conceptual development of a decision support tool for the individualised selection of training for employees. The concept was tested in customised training to improve employees' skills and motivation for lifelong learning at the selected industrial partner. The developed assessment algorithm was used to monitor the progress of individual employees' skills development before and after their training participation. The results of the assessment help human resource departments make decisions for selecting the most effective and optimal training for employees to improve their sustainability-related competences. Such a systematic approach can improve and evaluate competences that companies need to transition to a circular economy.

This paper introduces a conceptual model for evaluating seaports’ acceleration towards the circular economy. The model is based on the identification and definition of circular economy indicators, weighted according to the 9 R-strategy transitions towards the circular economy. We have employed the analytical hierarchy process for weight detection and further calculations of the final seaport circularity value. Our results suggest conceptual validity and provide a detailed insight into the circular activities of the seaports from the indicators, as well as 9 Rs and sustainability perspectives.

In order to approach a system change towards a circular economy model (CE) in Europe, the entrepreneurial activities of young people need to be encouraged to achieve the Green Deal (GD) goals. This article presents the evaluation results of young people’s awareness and attitudes towards the CE and the GD. The data used in this study was collected by surveying 286 young people from five European countries. The questionnaire covered four areas: (1) belief, (2) knowledge, (3) competence, and (4) young people’s ability to deal with the CE. Descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to analyse the questionnaire on the basic factors that motivate young people to the CE and GD. A literature review was conducted to identify the main research concepts and connections. A review included two phases, the first encompassing a search through the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection for research papers meaningful for further research, followed by Leximancer analysis. The analysis showed that young people believe in the principles and priorities of CE but do not receive enough support to participate and implement the priorities actively. Formal education does not provide enough knowledge to work in this field actively. They are primarily undecided about their understanding of the principles of CE. Responses to whether they can implement the project, business, or entrepreneurial ideas are also uninspiring. Young people do not see themselves as creators of change towards the CE. However, it is encouraging that they approach the CE from different angles and show responsible behaviour in everyday life. Young people’s ability to reason, think, evaluate, connect, and create new solutions for the CE is not enviable. Most respondents did not comment on their competence in concepts of the GD and CE. It is encouraging to know that they have already heard about the CE’s goals and action plan. Young people do not show significant skills in the practical implementation of CE principles. The analysis has shown that young people are particularly unable to reason, think, and evaluate in an entrepreneurial way when linking the CE to business opportunities. Relating them to business models and entrepreneurship also seems to be problematic. As a result, the majority of them are unable to design, develop, and create new business solutions.

Companies rely on formulating, implementing, and monitoring strategies in social, environmental and economic aspects to ensure that they achieve their goals and keep abreast of developments related to sustainability requirements. Therefore, our study develops a system to integrate the closed-loop supply chain approach in the petrochemical sector. The research follows the quantitative-based approach by collecting data through a questionnaire directed to employees in the supply chain departments, including 230 questionnaires that were collected. Correlation and structural equation models (SEM) were used. This technique consists of multiple regression analysis and factor analysis and analyses the structural relationship between the underlying structures and the measured variables. The results indicated a significant relationship between the supply chains that have a loop from the following perspectives: economic motivations, customer awareness, environmental legislation, and sustainability. By increasing financial reasons, customer awareness and environmental legislation, sustainability will increase as they all move in the same direction. Therefore, the overall effect of a closed-loop supply chain is positive and significant.

Food supply chains have substantial impacts on our environment, using large amounts of fossil fuel and other non-renewable resources, as well as water and land. Food supply chains are also complex systems, and their evaluation thus requires a study of the entire system, from primary production to end-of-life food-waste solutions. This paper examines the current state-of-the-art of the published food supply chains Life Cycle Assessment studies and their quality and coherency with the existing standards from the methodological perspective. In particular, we have followed the framework of the International Organization for Standardization, and considered the standard’s requirements, emphasising goal and scope, inventory, life cycle impact assessment and interpretation. We have surveyed forty-nine research and review papers, sourced from the Web of Science. Additionally, we have carried out a content analysis, identifying research areas and existing research trends. The results identified possible improvements in terms of goals and scope, as well as inventory and life cycle impact assessment, to increase the consistency and reliability of studies. These studies, in turn, affect a transparent and sustainability-oriented decision-making process, which is essential at various levels – company, stakeholders, national and global. Concept maps reveal the most dominant research directions, which are production, use, system and packaging. Missing is a role of socio-economic effects, as food life-cycles include societal and economic functions as well as circular economy options, during production or end-of-life processes.

When considering the sustainability of production processes, research studies usually emphasise environmental impacts and do not adequately address economic and social impacts. Toy production is no exception when it comes to assessing sustainability. Previous research on toys has focused solely on assessing environmental aspects and neglected social and economic aspects. This paper presents a sustainability assessment of a toy using environmental life cycle assessment, life cycle costing, and social life cycle assessment. We conducted an inventory analysis and sustainability impact assessment of the toy to identify the hotspots of the system. The main environmental impacts are eutrophication, followed by terrestrial eco-toxicity, acidification, and global warming. The life cycle costing approach examined the economic aspect of the proposed design options for toys, while the social assessment of the alternative designs revealed social impacts along the product life cycle. In addition, different options based on the principles of the circular economy were analysed and proposed in terms of substitution of materials and shortening of transport distances for the toy studied.

In the last decades, logistics has become an important industry sector, with significant impacts on the environment generated through several internal and external logistic processes. We analysed and elaborated on integrating sustainability topics within logistics-oriented programmes at universities across Europe, based on a framework of systemising and classifying sustainability terms. We also analysed pedagogical approaches within the identified courses. In our study, we perceived a moderate diversity of courses from the system and horizontal sustainability perspectives. Courses mostly focus on "principle" and "approach" levels, denoting specialised courses, with less environmental and social topics. Such coverage and distribution might imply a limitation to develop complex, multi-dimensional, and inter-disciplinary understanding, thinking, and problem-solving required for real-world challenges, comprehending all the dimensions. We also perceived a scarcity by using pedagogical approaches, where the majority of the courses emphasise traditional ones. This paper's novelty lies in providing the first empirical evaluation and elaboration of logistics-oriented programmes at European universities from a sustainability perspective. Thus, our study enriches current knowledge and research on sustainability integration into curricula at the university level, enabling new insights and better correlations between various study fields and pedagogical approaches used.

The transport sector contributes globally around 14% of the greenhouse gas emissions, and one-third to the European Union's. As an important economic sector, it requires an in-depth discussion, especially regarding environmental impacts. This paper focuses on transport-related life cycle assessment studies, as they are vital for the decision-making processes at various levels. We have framed our research on the requirements of the International organization for Standardization. We have given particular attention to the quality of life cycle assessment phases (goal and scope, inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation). We have explored 34 research and review papers, acquired from the Web of Science database. Furthermore, we have carried out a content scope analysis using Leximancer to determine and assess existing research areas and future trends. Results are represented via concept maps, giving a comprehensive overview of the life cycle assessment research in the transport. Our study indicates several incompatibilities with the standardised methodology. The findings suggest improvements in the methodological perspective. For example, system boundary represents a weakness in several studies as well as a comprehensive definition of goals or functional unit. Reliable and standardised studies are better-supporting decision-making process, leaving out any ambiguous understandings or manipulation of the results. A content analysis revealed most frequently discussed concepts, which were 'impact', 'transport', 'emissions', and 'carbon', suggesting existing research trends, and identifying research gaps, such as consumption-related topics.

Energy for society is an important element globally. Policy discussions in relation to climate change, suggest a transition from fossil-carbon-based systems to those based primarily upon renewable sources. The authors of this paper focused on a technical approach that can help to make that transition, namely pilot photovoltaic net metering installation for a business-residential entity in Slovenia, including its environmental perspectives. Results of the pilot photovoltaic net metering system installation revealed that the most cost effective solution is a photovoltaic installation with peak power of 6 kW, producing excess energy during the daytime. This has demonstrated that, with a proper planning, an optimum balance between energy production and consumption can be reached, and achieving a minimum price per kWh of the system. Regarding the environmental performance of the system, the results indicated that the most significant environmental impacts during its life cycle are related to global warming followed by human toxicity and terrestrial eco-toxicity. Photovoltaic net metering represents an option for producing and consuming cleaner energy, compared to conventional generation and usage, lowering the total price of the electrical energy (including fees and taxes) in comparison with the market purchases. This case study suggested that employing photovoltaic net metering in Slovenia is a reasonable option from the financial and environmental points of view, especially in the event of future increases of electricity price. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract In 2015 the Agenda 2030 was introduced, framed of 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) with 169 targets, which were adopted by the United Nations Member States and should bring prosperity and growth to the global society. In this paper a focus is given to the SDG 12 Sustainable consumption and production from the e-mobility perspective. SDG 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns – it is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all. Many stakeholders from public and private sector are investing a lot of effort to identify consumer behaviour for future improvements in development of their green products and strategies Because sustainable mobility and consequently low emission vehicles (LEV) are closely related with sustainable consumption within the personal mobility this paper focuses on consumer segmentation of potential LEV buyers and their willingness to buy LEV. Results have revealed that the segment of potential alternative fuel vehicles buyers is much larger than we initially anticipated. Such vehicles are, surprisingly, also more attractive for the older population, according to our results.