Sustainability Assessment and Ranking of Run of the River(RoR) Hydropower Projects Using Analytical Hierarchy Process(AHP):A Study from Western Himalayan Region of India

In the present scenario,tapping the unutilised hydropower potential is one of the highest priorities in developing countries of the world.Special emphasis is being imparted to run of the river(RoR)mode of power generation.However,the governments are now facing the dilemma whether to promote small hydropower projects(SHPs) or encourage large hydropower projects(LHPs).RoR large hydropower projects result into large scale cutting of mountains for constructing tunnels and access roads,generation of huge quantity of muck and large scale impact on flora and fauna due to diversion of rivers/streams.On the other hand,though SHPs are claimed to be greener and more sustainable by a section of researchers and energy planners but,they will be required to be set up in large number to generate equivalent amount of electricity.The aim of this study is to rank the most sustainable installed capacity range of RoR hydropower projects.To achieve this aim,the study proposes the use of quite popular multi-criteria decision making(MCDM)method of Operation Research named Analytical Hierarchy Process.A case study has been presented from Himachal Pradesh,a hydro rich state located in the western Himalayan region.As per sustainability assessment carried out in this study,hydropower projects in the capacity range 1 to 5 MW have been ranked to be the most sustainable.

Spatio-temporal Dynamic of Quality of Life of Residents, Northeast China

Quality of life(QOL) is a hotspot issue that has attracted increasing attention from the Chinese Government and scholars, it is also a vital issue that should be addressed during the cause of ′establishing overall well-off society′. Northeast China is one of the most import old industrial bases in China, however, the industrial structure of heavy chemical industry and the development mode of ′production first, living last′ have leaded to series of social problems, which have also become a serious bottleneck to social stability and economic sustainable development. Through applying the methods of BP neural network, exploratory spatial data analysis(ESDA) and spatial regression model, this paper examines the space-time dynamics of QOL of the residents in Northeast China. We first investigate the indexes of QOL of the residents and then use ESDA methods to visualize its space-time relationship. We have found a spatial agglomeration of QOL of the residents in middle-southern Liaoning Province, central Jilin Province and Harbin-Qiqihar-Daqing area of Heilongjiang Province. Two third of the counties are low-low spatial correlation, and the correlative type of about 60% of the prefecture level areas keeps stable, indicating QOL of the residents in Northeast China shows a certain character of path dependence or spatial locked. We have also found that economic strength and development levels of service industry have positive and obvious effect on QOL of the residents, while the effect of such indexes as the social service level and the proportion of the tertiary industries are less.

Small Claims Court in Environmental Disputes Resolution to Support the Realization of Sustainable Development

An appropriate business dispute resolution will ensure that the parties involved would not have to spend too much time and cost to resolve their case. There are two ways to resolve business disputes, through litigation and non-litigation process. The non-litigation process mainly depends upon the agreement of the parties involved and does not have a formally binding force upon them. Although the non-litigation process is more preferred in resolving business disputes, sometimes it does not completely resolve the issue. A specific business dispute resolution procedure such as the mechanism of small claims court （an informal court） is required. The objectives of the small claims court are to settle cases in prompt and cost-effective manner, and to avoid lengthy and complex formal legal procedures. Although it is still a part of the litigation process, the small claims court applies simplified procedures that are different from those of conventional civil cases. Nonetheless, the judgment of the small claims court has the same legally binding force as that of general court. The small claims court is situated in the District Court, but the examination of cases is different from general procedures and until now the mechanism has not been widely known in Indonesia.

Evaluation of the Life Cycle and Comparison of the Waste Management Treatment with Tyre by Life Cycle Assessment

Assessment of the life cycle （LCA--life cycle assessment） of a product, service or technology is one of the most important tools of environmental policy. This method is assumed to be a perspective voluntary instrument for implementation of sustainable development and allows us to assess both the demand for energy and raw materials, as well as the impacts on human life and on the life of ecosystems in the representative phases of product existence. The main objective of the article is presentation of the LCA method application on the standard car tyre which focuses on the impacts of the whole life cycle of tyre, individual phases in life cycle and especially comparison of different methods of treatment with used waste car tyres （cement works, pyrolysis, recycling） with different transport distance. The results were evaluated by elementary flows and impact assessment. Dominative phase in the life cycle of car tyre is extraction of raw materials. The technologies for waste car tyre treatment are comparable in environemntal impacts. The software GaBi 4 Professional and methodology CML 2001 for impact assessment were used.

Conceptual Framework for an Integrated Method to Optimize Sustainability of Engineering Systems

It is necessary to change the current dynamic of growth, to assure that future generations can satisfy their needs. Sustainable development and global sustainability are two concepts that have achieved great importance in almost every sector of activity. There is a wide range of methods and models for sustainability assessment. Nevertheless, it is necessary to go beyond evaluation, looking for sustainability optimization. In spite of this, little work has been done on the latter field. The authors present here a conceptual proposal for an integrated method to optimize sustainability of engineering systems, based on the MIVES （integrated value method for evaluating sustainability） method. For a better understanding of the method, its essential steps for optimizing an energy sub-system are summarized （shell-and-tube heat exchanger）.

Preliminary study on road-region ecosystem stability evaluation

A scientific and rational evaluation on road-region ecosystem stability is the premise to properly deal with the relationship between highway constructing and ecological environment protecting to a sustainable development. Based on the connotative meaning and the procedure of evaluation on road-region ecosystem stability, this paper studied the principles and the method on determining the evaluation index system on road-region ecosystem stability. It put forward an index system for assessing road-region ecosystem stability as a reference. On the basis of detailed analyze of the multidimensional space of road-region ecosystem, a new multi-objective comprehensive evaluation method for road-region ecosystem stability is presented and a calculation tormula for multi-objective comprehensive level of road-region ecosystem stability. This method was used to evaluate road-region ecosystem stability of Lin-Chang highway. This method possessed definite theoretical value and reliability in practice.

Innovation of concept and system of economic law based on the sustainable development

Make up for deficiencies in the economic development of market mechanisms through macro-control method. Although the market plays a fundamental role in resource allocation, in other means of regulation it plays an irreplaceable role in regulating the economy, the management of economic activities. However, by the market ＂invisible hand＂ spontaneous adjustment, there is ＂market failure＂ problem. Market self-regulation mechanisms inevitable cyclical economic fluctuations and economic crisis, the impact of a sustained and stable economic growth will lead to a waste of resources, environmental degradation is caused, but also it produces uneven regional development, causing social polarization between rich and poor, etc. Public goods such as ecological environment should be through legal means, rather than a means to implement the healthy development of the market environment.

Study on the Foreign Eco-tourism Environment Protection Act and Its Enlightenment

China, as a power in ecotourism resources, is luxuriant in eco-tourism resources. With the continuous expansion of the ecological tourism market, however, the ecological tourism environment protection problems are becoming acute. Then, the ecological tourism will be in a fatal blow in China if the ecological tourism environment is not being protected. Therefore, improving China＇ s ecological tourism environmental protection legal system is of important practical significance to the sustainable development of tourism on the basis of introducing the experience of developed countries in ecotourism environmental protection act.

Sustainable Design in Space Structures

The sustainable design approach presented in this paper supports an increased commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, and results in an optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits while meeting the mission and function of the intended space structure. The aim of this paper is to develop the guidelines that could be applied in the design of a space structure in order to achieve the optimal overall lifetime performance of the space structure. Space structures are more than inanimate hunks of metal, glass and fabric. Every space structure that we design as structural engineers is like a child - a child that is conceived with a passionate vision of its form, structure and purpose; nurtured through the schematic design phase and the development of construction documents; and cared for during the labor pains of plan check corrections, requests for information, shop drawing review, and construction observation. Like children, our space structures mature, perform necessary functions during their lives, and eventually, grow old and die. The design of a sustainable space structure is a much more challenging and cross-disciplinary process than in the past and therefore it is necessary that the space structure is viewed as an integrated system and that all members of the design team work in a fully integrated fashion.

Identification of Sustainability Indicators and Evaluation of Transportation Corridors during Construction Using Fuzzy VIKOR Method

Sustainability is popularly defined as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Social, economic and environmental parameters are most commonly accepted as the three pillars of sustainability. In this paper, various sustainability indicators have been identified during the construction stage for elevated transportation corridors and thereafter classified under various categories. Using fuzzy VIKOR technique, sustainability evaluation of transportation corridors is made on two selected project sites of two different government organizations using various identified sustainability indicators, i.e., a 3.2-km long elevated road project under construction from Vikaspuri to Meerabagh in West Delhi by PWD （Public Works Department） and the metro rail elevated corridor （part） from Punjabi Bagh to Mayapuri as a part of Phase 3, Line 7 by DMRC （Delhi Metro Rail Corporation）. The study is made at both sites in the midst of the construction period and it is identified that during the construction stage, the sustainability of these transportation corridors is just not limited to three pillars, but in actuality, it is much beyond that. From the study, it is inferred that the metro rail elevated corridor is a more sustainable corridor, in the context of the identified sustainability indicators.

Mentoring as an Interaction System, Providing Teachers＇ Readiness to Integrate Into the School Environment

The sustainable development of today＇s society can be promoted by providing the educational sustainability. The education of prospective teachers should be based on ecological approach, which ensures the ecological perspective and an opportunity for students to develop their readiness to integrate into the school environment. The main aim of the author＇s research is to substantiate mentoring as an interaction system for the facilitation of the prospective teachers＇ readiness to integrate into the school environment. The author of this paper offers the results of her theoretical research： substantiation of mentoring＇s importance in teachers＇ education, substantiation of mentors＇ roles and functions, and substantiation of ecological approach in teachers＇ education. Ecological approach in teachers＇ education facilitates the formation of friendly attitude toward a school as an educational environment. Mentoring provides the prospective teachers＇ readiness to the professional activity and ability to successful integration in various types of school environment, considering their specificity. The author applied the following research methods： experience reflection, studying, analysing, and evaluating of scientific literature.

Factors Influencing the Success of Agricultural Information System （AIS）： A Factor Analysis

This study aims at investigating the AIS （Agricultural Information System） in Hamedan province, Iran, benefiting from the list of criteria for well functioning AISs that were identified in earlier researches. For this purpose, a survey method with multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 31 agricultural researchers, and 62 extension workers in the province. The data were acquired by questionnaire and structured interviews. The instrument for data collection was subjected to pre-testing, validation and reliability tests. The results of the factor analysis revealed that the criteria could be categorized into four overarching groups based on their inter-correlation. The analysis of mentioned criteria in Hamedan province AIS showed less efficiency and effectiveness than studies conducted in other areas. But among these, two desirable criteria existed. It is recommended that the ecological knowledge system （EKS） should be integrated with AIS, and some ecological and sustainable development criteria should be added to the existing ones.

Overview of Abandoned Mines in the Limpopo Province, South Africa： Rehabilitation Challenges

South Africa is facing enormous financial, environmental and social challenges posed by abandoned mines. This investigation focused on field verification of 850 abandoned mines and associated rehabilitation challenges in the Limpopo Province. The investigations included desktop studies, standardised field-based ranking system and sampling. The waste material samples were analysed using XRF （X-ray fluorescence spectrometry） at the Council for Geoscience Laboratory. Approximately 5% of 850 abandoned mines in the Limpopo Province require urgent rehabilitation either due to high concentrations of metals from mine dumps or presence of open shafts. For example, copper concentrations at Messina and Spoedwel were 9,719 ppm and 56,160 ppm, respectively. Birthday Gold Mine in Giyani area is characterised by un-safe open shafts and un-stable grounds which poses safety problems and limits the future land-use. Although these investigations have been conducted, it is not possible to rehabilitate all abandoned mines mainly due to limited financial resources. The abandoned mines close to human settlement are given priority due to their immediate threat to people. This study recommends that rehabilitation of abandoned mines should take cognisance of the sustainable future land use that will favour the creation of jobs and nature conservation.

Environmental Analysis of Packaging for Soft Drinks Using the Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

The knowledge of a product＇s life cycle is the first step on the search of sustainable development. The life cycle assessment （LCA） is an important method because it allows an environment accounting, where the extraction of natural resources and energy of the nature are considered and the ＂returns＂ to the same one and allows in evaluating relative potential the environment impacts generated. The present work had as objective to make an analysis of material and energy flows of the life cycle of three types of packaging for soft drinks： glass bottles of 390 mL, aluminum cans of 350 mL, and bottles of PET of 2,000 mL. The study considered processes since the extraction of raw materials for production of the packaging until the stages of recycling, after the consumption of the soft drink. For the research, an inventory analysis followed the LCA methodology. The main critical points of generation of negative environmental impact during the life cycle of each packaging had been the identified and quantified data in this study. The consumption of natural resources like water and other raw materials and energy, the generation of atmospheric emissions, solid wastes and wastewaters had been the analyzed categories. The results showed that, in accordance with the scenes and defined variables, the most important conclusion was that the bottle of glass presented a less favorable scene to the environment in comparison with other packaging.

Architectural Requirements for Improving Social Interactions in Subway Stations： An Evidence Based Design Approach

Environmental design is concerned with the function of people within an environment and their interactions. Subway stations spaces are important examples of public spaces that are in close connection with the social life of people. Also, the fact that the social interactions and relations between people and city environments are becoming indispensable for subway station space indicates that these spaces play an essential role in urban life. This paper addresses the result of a study conducted by the authors on the influential elements pivotal to the improvement of social interactions in subway stations. The theory of John Lang in Urban design with consideration of social interaction was considered in this study. The objective of the study was to identify the architectural requirements in improving social interaction between people and environment in subway station spaces according to an evidence based design approach. To do so, relevant literature in different disciplines, architecture, urban design, social sustainability and so on, were reviewed Next, the most important environmental factors which contribute to human behavior in public spaces were derived and analyzed. Data of the study were collected via questionnaires filled out by the users of Tehran＇s subway stations. The collected data were analyzed and the architectural elements/requirements for improving social interactions were classified. The results of the study indicate that in the case of architectural requirements, contribution to the improvement of social interactions, design considerations for physical and mental safety, accessibility and lighting are the most important factors.

浅谈我国现阶段生态文明的构建

"生态文明"成为自党的十七大以来,我国社会生活中最为响亮的主题词之一,建设生态文明是人民群众的美好愿望和迫切要求。生态文明是对工业文明的积极扬弃和超越,它要求人类改造自然的同时,要保护好生态环境,实现"人——自然——社会"的和谐共生。本文从生态文明的形成及其内涵分析入手,试图从加强生态明意识、完善环境法制、发展生态产业和加强全民参与等方面,来探讨具有中国特色的生态文明的构建路径。

Evaluation and Driving Force Analysis of Marine Sustainable Development based on the Grey Relational Model and Path Analysis

With the rapid development of the marine economy,the demand for marine resources development and the pressure on marine environmental protection are gradually increasing.It is critical to evaluate and analyze the driving forces of marine sustainable development in order to promote the coordinated development of the marine economy,resources and environment.Taking Jiangsu Province of China as an example,this paper constructs an evaluation index system for marine sustainable development from the three aspects of marine economy,resources and environment,and calculates the weight of the variation coefficient for each indicator.Based on the grey relational model,the average value of the relational degree,calculated by the average value method of correlation coefficients and the weighting method,is then used to evaluate the status of marine sustainable development in this province.The comprehensive index model is used to analyze the dynamic trend of the evolution of marine sustainable development.The driving forces of marine sustainable development are analyzed by the path analysis method combined with the average values of the grey relational degree for each indicator.This analysis found that the marine sustainable development in 2016 and 2012 was good,the situation in 2007 was bad,and the remaining years were intermediate.Compared with the previous years,the optimal conditions of 2008 and 2012 were obvious.The main driving factors of marine sustainable development are cargo throughput of coastal ports,economic losses caused by storm surges in coastal areas,the area of marine nature reserves in coastal areas,coastal wind power generation capacity,and marine biodiversity.

Opportunities and challenges of the Sponge City construction related to urban water issues in China

Waterlogging is one of the major water issues in most cities of China and directly restricts their urbanization processes.The construction of Sponge City is an effective approach to solving the urban water issues,particularly for the waterlogging.In this study,both the urban issues emerged at the stage of rapid urbanization in China and the demands as well as problems of Sponge City construction related with the water issues were investigated,and the opportunities and challenges for the Sponge City construction in the future were also proposed.It was found that the current stormwater management focused on the construction of gray infrastructures(e.g.,drainage network and water tank) based on the fast discharge idea,which was costly and hard to catch up with the rapid expansion of city and its impervious surface,while green infrastructures(e.g.,river,lake and wetland)were ignored.Moreover,the current construction of Sponge City was still limited to low impacted development(LID) approach which was concentrated on source control measures without consideration of the critical functions of surrounding landscapes(i.e.,mountain,river,wetland,forest,farmland and lake),while application of the integrated urban water system approach and its supported technologies including municipal engineering,urban hydrology,environmental science,social science and ecoscape were relatively weak and needed to be improved.Besides,the lack of special Sponge City plan and demonstration area was also a considerable problem.In this paper,some perspectives on Good Sponge City Construction were proposed such as the point that idea of urban plan and construction should conform to the integral and systematic view of sustainable urban development.Therefore,both the basic theoretical research and the basic infrastructure construction such as monitoring system,drainage facility and demonstration area should be strengthened,meanwhile,the reformation and innovation in the urban water management system and the education system should also be urgently performed.The study was expected to provide a deeper thinking for the current Sponge City construction in China and to give some of suggestions for the future directions to urban plan and construction,as well as urban hydrology discipline.

Relationship of Ecological Well-being Performance and Sustainable Economic Development in Liaoning Province

Liaoning Province is in a critical period of economic transformation. The rational utilization of ecological resources and the balance of the relationship between the resource environment and economic growth have become the key factors affecting its sustainable economic development. This paper uses data from the Human Development Index and an ecological footprint to construct the ecological well-being performance of Liaoning Province from 2006 to 2016. It then examines the relationship of ecological well-being performance with economic growth, considers the factors influencing the well-being level effect, and analyzes the trends for sustainable economic development from the perspective of ecological well-being. There is a horizontal comparison of the current situation of ecological well-being performance in Liaoning Province and with other coastal provinces in China and clarification of the stage and development gap. The conclusions show that: 1) The trend of ecological well-being performance in Liaoning Province during this period first decreased and then rose, with this movement mainly affected by changes in the ecological footprint;2) There is a U-shaped relationship between ecological well-being performance and economic growth, and resource consumption contributes less to promote well-being;3) There are three stages to the sustainable development trend: inferior, medium and advanced. When compared with others coastal provinces, Liaoning Province belongs to the high consumption and low well-being type.