The “Units of Measure” chapter from the ICARUS Reference manual outlines the comprehensive system for unit selection and conversion within engineering and project planning contexts, specifically for process industry applications. The document introduces two main systems: Inch-Pound (I-P) and Metric, which users can choose depending on the project’s base location or specific need. Once a unit system is selected, users may redefine variables with their own units using conversion multipliers.

This system covers a wide array of physical quantities including length, area, volume, mass, pressure, velocity, flow rates, power, electric units, and viscosity. Each unit type is listed with corresponding conversion factors between the I-P and Metric systems. The document emphasizes careful redefinition of units due to possible downstream effects, especially in design and equipment sizing.

Practical examples demonstrate how system defaults may differ and the importance of consistent unit usage throughout project data input. The manual also details specific applications of units to engineering components, such as pipe sizing, pressure specifications, motor power ratings, and other equipment-specific measurements.

Overall, the ICARUS unit framework is crucial for standardized data input and accurate project cost estimation, equipment sizing, and system design. The document includes extensive tabulated data and provides clear instructions to prevent common errors related to unit conversions.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/CARUS Corporation, 1998. Chapter 29; 29.1-29.18

This study presents a comprehensive life-cycle inventory (LCI) of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) production in the U.S., focusing on resource consumption, emissions, energy use, and carbon flux. The LCI encompasses a cradle-to-gate approach, accounting for all inputs from in-ground resources through manufacturing, and includes on-site emissions and upstream processes for inputs like wood residue, urea–formaldehyde resin, wax, and scavengers.

MDF is manufactured from industrial wood residues (e.g., sawdust, shavings, chips), which are refined into fibers, blended with resin and additives, dried, formed into mats, hot-pressed, cooled, sanded, and cut. The data were collected from four U.S. MDF mills representing 28% of national production. Wood fuel (a renewable energy source) was the primary energy input, and its use contributed significantly to the embodied energy and carbon balance of the product.

Key findings include that wood-based inputs allow MDF to store more carbon than it emits during production (carbon-negative balance), making it favorable in terms of climate change impact. Fossil fuel emissions were relatively low, and the carbon stored in the MDF offsets the greenhouse gas emissions generated during its production. The study complies with ISO 14040/14044 and CORRIM guidelines and aims to support green building standards and material comparisons.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Wood and Fiber Science, 42(CORRIM Special Issue), 2010, pp. 107–124 # 2010 by the Society of Wood Science and Technology

The article introduces the 12 Principles of Green Engineering, which provide a foundational framework for designing materials, products, processes, and systems that are sustainable and environmentally benign. These principles aim to bridge the gap between visionary sustainability goals and practical engineering implementations. The authors argue that simply setting goals like waste reduction or increased recycling is not enough—systematic and scalable approaches are essential.

Key themes include the importance of designing with inherency (using nonhazardous materials and processes by nature) and life-cycle thinking (considering the environmental impact of a product from cradle to grave). Each principle encourages design decisions that minimize waste, reduce energy use, avoid excessive complexity, and support reuse, recycling, and modularity.

Examples span molecular design, product engineering, and systems-level applications, illustrating that green engineering is applicable across all scales. Concepts such as “design for separation”, “output-pulled systems”, “targeted durability”, and “minimized material diversity” showcase how environmental, social, and economic factors can be integrated from the earliest stages of engineering design.

Ultimately, the paper calls for the systemic integration of these principles to transition from optimizing unsustainable systems to fundamentally redefining them for inherent sustainability.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / MARCH 1, 2003; 95A-101A

The Polish Centre for life cycle assessment (LCA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2009 following the initiative of people involved in Polish scientific and R&D centers dealing with LCA. The role, mission as well structure and organization of PCLCA have been presented. Moreover, the current state of LCA implementation in Poland has been mentioned. However, LCA has been mainly used for scientific research less by industry and business.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Int J Life Cycle Assess (2011) 16:442–444

The article discusses the significance and structure of Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for construction products, based on the PN-EN 15804 standard. EPDs are crucial tools enabling transparent communication of environmental characteristics, aligned with the EU’s sustainability policies and Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The PN-EN 15804 standard provides a uniform set of rules for evaluating products using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), covering all phases from raw material extraction to end-of-life processes. This ensures comparability and credibility of environmental data.

The document emphasizes that modules A1–A3 (product stage) are mandatory for all EPDs, while other life cycle modules (B and C) are optional and scenario-based. PN-EN 15804 specifies 29 impact assessment indicators, including resource consumption, emissions, and climate impact, forming the basis for evaluating building performance. Verification of LCA data must follow ISO 14040 and be conducted by independent auditors in line with ISO 19011.

The article also presents the ITB’s EPD system, aligned with ECO-Platform – a European initiative harmonizing EPD schemes across countries. This platform aims to ensure cross-border recognition of EPDs within the European Economic Area. It is supported by the European Commission and World Green Building Council. Currently, PN-EN 15804:2012 is available only in English, with translation into Polish underway.

Ultimately, the article positions EPDs and the PN-EN 15804 methodology as essential for assessing the environmental performance of construction products and promoting sustainable development in the building sector.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> website/http://www.zb.itb.pl

This article aims to analyze sustainable strategies by assessing the environmental performance of a wardrobe built from medium density particleboard. For this, the Life cycle assessment technique was used. The product life cycle studied was a cradle-to-gate type, including three main stages: raw materials supply, wardrobe manufacturing and distribution of the wardrobe. The functional unit was 40 kg of stored goods / 5 years and the reference flow was one wardrobe unit. The LCA modeling process was undertaken using the GaBi software, Professional 4.4 version based on attributional modeling and the EDIP-97 method. The life cycle assessment results indicated that the most significant environmental impacts occur at the stages of raw materials supply and the distribution of the wardrobe, and the most relevant impact categories were human toxicity, global warming and acidification, totaling 68.0% of the overall lifecycle impacts.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Journal of Cleaner Production (2014), doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.05.029

Eco-design has gained popularity in the industry sector towards a sustainable production. The need to consider the environmental consequences of products and production processes has been highlighted not only in policy but also in the market. Companies are making a shift towards eco-innovation by integrating tools such as eco-design into their product concept. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be used as a quantitative tool to assist the eco-design process, and it is also the basis of communicative tools such as Product Category Rules (PCRs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). In this context, an eco-design tool (edTOOL®) was recently developed to promote eco-design in companies. The present contribution focuses on the M-ECO project, which is a regional research project with the goal of providing the wood and furniture sector with eco-innovation tools to improve the sustainability of their products. The methodological approach consists of a learning-by-doing process involving the public administration, universities, research and development (R+D) entities and furniture companies. The goal of the project is to create a toolkit that couples new policies and the mechanisms to promote them. To do so, the project analyses three case studies from the wood and furniture sector. The novelty of this approach is the iterative multidisciplinary process done by the different stakeholders to unify innovation, policy and practice. On the one hand, PCR specifications are based on the knowledge of public entities and their application in the companies involved in the project. On the other hand, the edTOOL® software was created by research institutes and universities to transfer knowledge to companies and, in this project, the three actors participate in the adaptation of the global edTOOL® to the wood and furniture sector: the new edTOOL®furniture. Thus, the products of the M-ECO project will encourage the implementation of eco-design and innovation in the wood and furniture sector. 

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283509566

Wood is used as a raw material in various industries, including the production of furniture, which puts pressure on the exploitation of the forests and the continuous reduction of their surfaces, with undesirable effects on the environment. The paper provides a way of sustainably manufacturing furniture by replacing wood with composite materials based on natural fibers obtained from fast-growing renewable crops (hemp, willow, flax, etc.) and at the same time a method of assessing the forest areas which can be saved from cutting. The method’s algorithm is based on the estimation of forest area that ensures the annual consumption of wood for the production of furniture, both in the conventional production of furniture and in the unconventional one, where part of the products is made of composites. The agricultural areas required to be cultivated with technical plants to provide the natural fibers necessary for the wood replacement composite were also determined. The case study, based on the data of an upholstered furniture company, shows that replacing only part of the wood for the production of furniture can save about 3000 hectares of beech forests per year and the necessary plant fibers can be obtained from a surface area about 10 to 100 times smaller.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2018, 10, 3356; doi:10.3390/su10093356

The presented study is focused on the evaluation of the changes in weight and height of the adult population in Slovakia to provide updated information on the secular growth trend. The main objective was to identify and quantify the pace of gradual changes in the dimensions of the Slovak adult population, which is key ergonomic information for multiple disciplines. The measurements of weights, heights and body mass indices of the current adult population of Slovakia ranging from 26 to 94 years of age that were obtained in period 1993–2017 were compared with a sample of students studying at four Slovak  universities during the same years (aged 18 to 25). The increase of mean heights was app. 0.104–0.203 cm per one year (or app. 1–2 cm per decade) for males and app. 0.031–0.178 cm per one year (or app. 0.3–1.8 cm per decade) for females was statistically confirmed at different age classes covering the age structure of the whole adult population. The positive secular height trends were manifested in weight and BMI increases too. The changes in means and variation of distributions of selected variables also cause changes in quantile values. For example, the 95% quantiles of heights derived for the period 1993–2003 only cover 92–93% of the heights in the current population. This fact could have a major impact on proposals for optimal and safe arrangement of work, residential and non-residential space, including the furniture production.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2018, 10, 3474; doi:10.3390/su10103474

This study presents preliminary findings from a nationwide survey conducted in the Czech Republic to assess how wood and non-wood forest products (NWFPs) are utilized and perceived by the public. Forests cover approximately 33.7% of the Czech Republic, and although the country has not adopted an official forest bioeconomy strategy, forest products play a significant role in the economy and culture.

The survey, conducted with 1050 respondents aged 18–65, explored the public’s use of wood products (for energy, construction, and furniture) and NWFPs (e.g., mushrooms, berries). Wood was overwhelmingly preferred for furniture (96.3%) and moderately for building materials (46.3%). Firewood was a common energy source, used by 38.6% of respondents. Mushrooms (58.5%) and berries (47.9%) were the most collected NWFPs.

The study also analyzed demographic differences in forest visitation frequency and consumption preferences. People with lower education were less likely to visit forests regularly. Television remained the dominant source of forest-related information, especially among older or less educated groups, while online and social media were more common among younger and more educated respondents.

The findings highlight both opportunities and challenges in promoting a forest-based bioeconomy, including the need to shift from fossil fuels to renewable wood energy, enhance the value of wood and NWFPs, and improve public awareness through targeted communication strategies. The study recommends promoting forest ecosystem services and incorporating bioeconomy education, particularly in vocational schools.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2020, 12, 566; doi:10.3390/su12020566

Good quality sleep is a prerequisite for regenerating the human body, hence, beds should be optimized for specific group of users, taking into consideration their size or age. Current research studies show similar trends in adult populations around the world, where increases in height as well as in weight can be observed. Not only the ergonomics but also the safety of beds, which is determined by the quality and dimensions of structural elements, must be taken into account in bed design. Designing the structural elements for users with a high body weight is presented in the paper. The properties of a bed’s structural elements, which ensure comfort as well as the safety of a bed are affected by the excess weight of users. New requirements for cross sections, suitable materials and construction of structural elements were set in accordance with the standard EN 1725:1998. Also, an analysis of stresses was done using the finite element method (FEM) and the calculation of allowable

stresses related to a user weighing 150 kg. The results of our research provide complete standards and regulations associated with the safety requirements of bedroom furniture for users with a weight more than 110 kg to ensure that the manusfacture of quality products in Slovakia.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 624; doi:10.3390/su11030624

Cleaner production has been used for several years in Latin America to minimize waste generation while reducing material and energy consumption. Despite those environmental benefits, its implementation may sometimes lead to changes in products or processes whose environmental performance can yield either positive or negative outputs when examined within a broader context, meaning it is necessary to complement cleaner production with other environmental tools that can provide environmental assessments. This paper presents a combination of cleaner production with life cycle assessment (LCA) applied within the wood industry in a case study in Salvador, a state of Bahia (Brazil), regarding the production of two models of wooden chairs. The study selected life cycle assessment as a scientific tool to quantify the environmental impacts of the models having ILCD 2011 midpoint and cumulative energy demand methods.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 5026; doi:10.3390/su11185026

Product—service systems (PSSs) are often outlined as potential enablers of new business models for circular economy. However, not all business models based on product-service systems have superior circularity potential. This research demonstrates how the application of a previously developed business model configurator for circular economy can support the design and assessment of customer value, economic and resource decoupling potential for product-service system business models in practice. By applying action research in two Nordic manufacturing companies from the furniture sector, different business model concepts based on product-service systems were proposed and assessed. Results indicate positive uptake by companies regarding the usefulness of the obtained outcomes. This research identified two key findings about ‘product-service system business models for circular economy’: (i) their configuration should fulfil certain simultaneous

conditions—i.e., superior customer value, economic growth, and resource decoupling potential—to contribute to circular economy; and (ii) they are often ‘niche solutions’, fulfilling specific needs and customer segments, and more likely to flourish with certain types/characteristic of products, segments or geographical locations. Lastly, a framework outlining the conditions and trade-offs for assessing the circularity potential of business models based on product-service systems is introduced as one of the key contributions.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 3727; doi:10.3390/su11133727

The fabrication of traditional handicrafts is both an art creation activity and a social economic activity, meaning that the resulting works have dual artistic and economic characteristics. With the development of industrial mass production, the traditional handicraft industry is facing a series of challenges. For sustainable development of the traditional handicraft industry, first the establishment of its historical context and experience is necessary. Therefore, through an analysis of the competitive advantages of the Su-style furniture industry in the Ming Dynasty, this study first sorts out and summarizes the historical experience of the industry’s successful development. Next, sustainable development strategies for the contemporary traditional handicraft industry are explored, and opinions on the inheritance and development of the traditional handicraft industry at the present stage are put forward. Based on the diamond model, this study of Su-style furniture in the Ming Dynasty shows that its competitive advantages in this period included style, material, and skill, and the contributions of the government and consumer demand played important roles in these competitive advantages. Therefore, the current development of the traditional handicraft industry requires both external heritage protection of the government and the internal transformation and innovation of the industry.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 2008; doi:10.3390/su11072008

The study investigates the relationship between exports, resource misallocation, and total factor productivity (TFP) in Chinese furniture enterprises using data from 1999–2007. Amid rising labor costs and an evolving global trade landscape, the paper explores why Chinese export-oriented furniture firms struggle to enhance their TFP. Contrary to mainstream trade theories suggesting that exporters are more productive due to self-selection and learning effects, this study uncovers an “export–productivity paradox” — export firms show lower TFP than non-exporters. This is attributed to the dominance of labor-intensive, processing-trade enterprises operating at the low end of global value chains.

The paper employs multiple TFP estimation methods (OP, ACF-OP, ACF-LP) and finds robust evidence that both labor and capital misallocation have positive effects on TFP. Misallocation, while traditionally viewed as harmful, acts as a “forced mechanism,” compelling firms to improve productivity due to increased costs of obtaining labor and capital. Additionally, the study finds that labor resource distortion moderates the negative effect of exports on TFP — the more severe the distortion, the less harmful exports are to productivity, likely because firms innovate under pressure.

The authors advocate for reducing dependence on cheap labor and fostering innovation. They suggest that while market mechanisms can drive transformation, government support for R&D remains vital for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 4892; doi:10.3390/su11184892

The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), as an environmentally sustainable building material, has generated significant interest among the wood products industry, architects and policy makers in Washington State. However, the environmental impacts of CLT panels can vary significantly depending on material logistics and wood species mix. This study developed a regionally specific cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of CLT produced in western Washington. Specifically, this study focused on transportation logistics, mill location, and relevant wood species mixes to provide a comparative analysis for CLT produced in the region. For this study, five sawmills (potential lamstock suppliers) in western Washington were selected along with two hypothetical CLT mills. The results show that the location of lumber suppliers, in reference to the CLT manufacturing facilities, and the wood species mix are important factors in determining the total environmental impacts of the CLT production. Additionally, changing wood species used for lumber from a heavier species such as Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) to a lighter species such as Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) could generate significant reduction in the global warming potential (GWP) of CLT. Given the size and location of the CLT manufacturing facilities, the mills can achieve up to 14% reduction in the overall GWP of the CLT panels by sourcing the lumber locally and using lighter wood species.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 1278; doi:10.3390/su11051278

The benefits of aluminum lamination in improving the physical and mechanical properties of wood-based composites is now well documented. This paper shows the contribution of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool to assess and compare the environmental footprint in the development of laminated panels. SimaPro 9.0 software, using Ecoinvent database was used to analyze the environmental impacts associated with the manufacturing of wood aluminum-laminated (WAL) panels and aluminum honeycomb panel (AHP). The impact 2002+ method was used to estimate environmental impacts. The LCA results show that the WAL panels manufacturing had a lower environmental impact than AHP manufacturing. In term of product, wood-based composites were the best choice as a core in laminated panel manufacturing. Wood-based composite manufacturing showed environmental advantages in all damage categories except in ecosystem quality. Aluminum alloy sheets manufacturing played an important role in the generation of environmental impacts for laminated panel development.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 2258; doi:10.3390/su11082258

The growing attention paid to global environmental risks has gradually raised interest, both on the agendas of firms and governments towards the development of new business models such as Circular Economy. This study is focused on the luxury furniture industry and it is aimed at investigating how much furniture companies know about Circular Economy practices, what they specifically do for implementing them and what factors motivate, support or hinder their adoption. The role of product and process certifications in developing such sustainable practices is also analyzed, given their importance for implementing environmentally sustainable practices. The research method is based on a qualitative multiple case study carried out on four Italian companies operating in the luxury furniture industry. A worthy degree of awareness and knowledge of Circular Economy principles emerged from the analysis. Nevertheless, furniture companies analyzed are still little involved in Circular Economy practices, especially concerning reuse and recycle actions, which are particularly important within this perspective. Similarly, very little use of process and product certifications emerged from the study. Therefore, a potential gap seems to arise between the positive attitude towards Circular Economy practices and their actual implementation, which suggests useful implications for both institutions and managers involved in sustainable development processes.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 3089; doi:10.3390/su11113089

The study investigates the use of waste lignocellulose-based furniture boards—fiberboard, chipboard, and blockboard—for bioethanol production using a pretreatment method involving phosphoric acid and hydrogen peroxide (PHP). These materials, commonly found in urban waste, present a challenge due to their chemical complexity and presence of synthetic adhesives. The PHP pretreatment effectively fractionates the boards into cellulose-rich solids, lignin, and oligosaccharides.

High glucose yields (208–241 g/kg of feedstock) and cellulose–glucose conversions (83.3–98.0%) were achieved through enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated substrates. Subsequent simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) resulted in ethanol yields of 8.1–10.4 g/L, indicating efficient bioconversion and minimal inhibitor formation. The lignin recovered during pretreatment showed increased carboxyl –OH content, enhancing its value for further applications. Additionally, oligosaccharides were also recovered in the process (15–26 g/kg feedstock).

The study concludes that PHP pretreatment is a highly effective and environmentally friendly approach for valorizing recalcitrant biomass waste. The process enhances enzymatic digestibility by reducing crystallinity and improving water retention and enzyme accessibility. This method can potentially be extended to other unconventional biomass sources, supporting a multi-product biorefinery model.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2019, 11, 6175; doi:10.3390/su11216175

This study introduces a hybrid Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (MADM) model for systematically evaluating and improving green product designs, supporting sustainable development goals. The proposed model incorporates the iF DESIGN AWARD criteria—a widely respected international design benchmark—combined with advanced decision-making techniques. Specifically, the model applies the DEMATEL-based Analytic Network Process (DANP) to derive the influence and weight of 19 design criteria. It then uses the VIKOR with aspiration-level method (VIKOR-AS) to identify gaps between existing product designs and ideal aspirational standards.

The empirical case involved evaluating three green office furniture design alternatives from a leading Taiwanese company. The analysis identified that “functionality,” “innovation,” and “positioning” are the most influential dimensions in green product design. The model not only helps identify the best product design option—i.e., the one closest to sustainability and design excellence aspirations—but also offers causal guidance for targeted design improvement.

Results demonstrated that Design A1 was closest to the ideal solution. Furthermore, by integrating DANP and VIKOR-AS, the model avoids common MADM pitfalls such as “choosing the best from poor options” or “treating symptoms but not the cause.” This research provides a rigorous, practical tool for product designers and managers to improve design effectiveness and environmental performance.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2020, 12, 6743; doi:10.3390/su12176743

The study investigates how Swedish consumer goods companies promote and structure use-oriented product-service systems (u-PSS) to enhance consumer acceptance. u-PSS are alternatives to traditional ownership models where customers pay for access rather than ownership—such as rentals and subscriptions. These systems hold potential for reducing environmental impacts by extending product lifespans and reducing demand for new production. Despite these benefits, consumer acceptance remains limited due to perceived barriers such as uncertainty, hygiene concerns, cost issues, and the desire to own.

Using a multi-case study approach, the authors examine seven Swedish companies across three sectors: clothing, furniture, and eyewear. Through semi-structured interviews and analysis of company documents, the study explores business model characteristics, consumer-related barriers, and perceived consumer value. The research finds that while many consumer barriers persist, companies can enhance acceptance by tailoring u-PSS offers to specific customer segments and clearly communicating financial, functional, emotional, and social values.

For instance, offering hygiene assurances, including repair and maintenance services, or enabling product swaps during rental periods increases perceived value. Interestingly, emotional and functional values—like flexibility and novelty—were more impactful than environmental or social value. Recommendations for companies include minimizing behavior change for consumers, lowering trial barriers, and emphasizing individualized consumer benefits.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2020, 12, 8079; doi:10.3390/su12198079

This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of human perceptions regarding recycled textiles (RT) and circular fashion (CF), exploring environmental, cultural, and consumer behavior dimensions. The review synthesizes 47 peer-reviewed studies selected from ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases. It reveals growing awareness about sustainability in the textile and fashion industries, but also a significant gap between consumer awareness and actual behavior—often referred to as the attitude–behavior gap. While some consumers perceive RT and CF as adding symbolic and utilitarian value, concerns over hygiene, aesthetics, and quality persist. The review identifies discrepancies across cultures and demographics, and highlights the impact of media, design storytelling, and branding on consumer attitudes. Manufacturers and designers are increasingly aware of environmental challenges, yet adoption varies due to external pressures like market demand and client expectations. The study categorizes findings into three clusters: value-added strategies and consumer responses; awareness and sustainable clothing behavior; and environmental impacts. It concludes that more comprehensive definitions, better communication, and structured recycling systems are required to overcome barriers and stimulate circular consumption in fashion. The paper calls for interdisciplinary efforts and policy support to advance sustainable textile practices globally.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2020, 12, 599; doi:10.3390/su122410599

This article investigates the implementation of mass customization (MC) in the Polish door manufacturing sector, using Porta KMI Poland as a case study. The study focuses on the economic and technical impacts of a newly introduced automated production line—TechnoPORTA—designed to produce customized doors with high efficiency and reduced costs. By analyzing selected technical and economic indices (particularly unit production costs), the study finds that mass customization allows for individual product adaptation without significantly raising costs, even showing potential for cost reduction in many cases. Key findings include that while material costs remain constant, labor costs decrease significantly due to automation, leading to annual savings exceeding PLN 1 million. The research suggests that MC, combined with IT integration and flexible logistics, provides a sustainable competitive advantage, especially important in a market increasingly driven by consumer preference for customized products. The study confirms that MC in the door industry is not only viable but essential to meeting evolving customer expectations while maintaining profitability. Additionally, it suggests further research to evaluate energy use, machine efficiency, and broader sustainability factors in MC implementation.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2020, 12, 3788; doi:10.3390/su12093788

This study presents the creation of a specialized registry for aluminum-containing secondary raw materials suitable for the production of low-CO₂ belite-calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) cement clinkers in Southeastern Europe. BCSA cements, an environmentally friendlier alternative to traditional Portland cement, require a significantly higher aluminum content (15–25%) compared to conventional clinker (4–7%). Given the limited availability and economic infeasibility of using natural Al-rich resources (e.g., bauxite), the registry focuses on industrial and mining waste as sustainable substitutes.

The registry was developed within the RIS-ALiCE project and is designed to act as a matchmaking tool between waste material producers and the cement industry. It includes detailed information for each material entry such as legal status, chemical and mineralogical composition, quantities, radiological and physical properties, and life-cycle assessment data. The development process involved three key stages: idea gathering, idea consolidation, and implementation, all guided by extensive stakeholder consultation. The system architecture was built using open-source technologies with the goal of long-term sustainability and user engagement. The registry aims to facilitate a circular economy and support the EU’s climate goals by promoting the reuse of secondary raw materials in cement production.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2021, 13, 1535. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031535

This study addresses the growing interest in the LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) concept, which integrates personal health, environmentalism, and social responsibility into a holistic consumer lifestyle. Although LOHAS has gained popularity globally, its empirical measurement has been limited and inconsistent. The researchers aim to develop a scientifically valid and psychometrically reliable LOHAS scale. Based on a thorough literature review and item generation process, they identify six key dimensions of LOHAS: physical fitness, mental health, emotional health, spirituality, environmentalism, and social consciousness.

Using data collected from multiple samples via Amazon Mechanical Turk and a university population, the authors refine a 70-item pool down to a 28-item scale. This scale undergoes exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, showing good internal consistency and construct validity. The study also establishes the nomological validity of the scale by analyzing its relationship with future time orientation (antecedent) and status consumption (consequence). Notably, future time orientation positively influences all six LOHAS dimensions. Contrary to expectations, several LOHAS dimensions—like environmentalism and spirituality—show a positive (rather than negative) association with status consumption, suggesting complexity in LOHAS consumers’ behaviors.

The scale provides a standardized tool for further research and practical marketing applications, enabling better segmentation and communication with LOHAS consumers. The study highlights the need for future validation in broader cultural and demographic contexts.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2021, 13, 1598. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041598

This study explores Value Co-Creation (VcC) and its impact on business satisfaction in B2B industrial settings, specifically within the Spanish furniture industry. The authors address a research gap by focusing on triadic relationships—supplier, manufacturer, and client—rather than the commonly used dyadic (two-party) approach. They investigate how VcC affects both Economic Satisfaction (business performance outcomes) and Social Satisfaction (relationship quality) for manufacturers.

The proposed model tests the mediating role of Social Satisfaction between VcC and Economic Satisfaction. Using data from 77 companies, the researchers measure VcC practices like collaborative planning and flexibility, and assess satisfaction levels in relationships with both main suppliers and clients. Findings show that manufacturers report higher VcC and Economic Satisfaction with clients than with suppliers. Also, Social Satisfaction significantly mediates the impact of VcC on Economic Satisfaction, but only in the manufacturer-client relationship.

The study highlights asymmetry in supply chain dynamics and suggests that strong social bonds foster economic success, particularly downstream. It recommends that managers develop long-term collaborative strategies with all partners and emphasizes the need to align VcC efforts across the entire supply chain for sustainable and competitive B2B ecosystems.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2021, 13, 152. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010152

The paper presents a comprehensive approach to managing the life cycle of avionics software in accordance with flight safety standards, aiming to support the sustainable development of air transport. Developed at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), the system helps ensure the reliability and safety of onboard electronic devices through rigorous planning, development, integration, and verification processes based on the DO-178C standard.

The proposed computer system streamlines documentation, certification, and testing, while also integrating advanced analysis tools. A key innovation is a method for predicting software vulnerabilities using branching processes, which could help anticipate and mitigate security risks in future software iterations. The system was implemented in the development of the SWPL-1 CYKLOP helmet-mounted flight-parameter display system for helicopters, which required high levels of operational reliability and user safety.

Through an integrated management platform and strict compliance with international standards (including DO-254, AQAP 2210, ARP 4761, ARP 4754A), the approach enhances the quality and sustainability of avionics systems. The findings confirm the feasibility of combining lifecycle management with predictive modeling to address both functional safety and cybersecurity in a systematic way.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2021, 13, 1547. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031547

This study investigates the environmental impacts of renovating multi-apartment buildings in Lithuania, using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Two buildings constructed in the 1980s were analyzed—one with conventional renovation (Building A), and the other with additional renewable energy measures (Building B). Renovations included wall and roof insulation, window replacement, and in Building B, the installation of solar collectors and a heat pump.

The study revealed that while the renovation process itself contributed to CO₂ emissions (19% of the total over 40 years), post-renovation energy savings significantly reduced environmental impacts. Building A reduced climate change impact by 12%, while Building B achieved a 48% reduction. However, installing renewable systems increased impacts in other categories like human toxicity and acidification, due to material production and manufacturing processes.

The analysis also found that materials like PVC, polystyrene foam, and photovoltaic (PV) modules had the highest environmental impact during renovation. Overall, LCA showed that despite some increased material-based impacts, renovations—especially those involving renewable energy—are beneficial in reducing long-term emissions and energy use.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2021, 13, 1542. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031542

The paper addresses the gap in IT project management research regarding the sustainable internal approach focused on the client’s role. It proposes that aligning the project management methodology with the client type (based on client maturity) significantly enhances client satisfaction and overall project success. The study is based on 64 IT projects from Polish SME companies that involved custom software development. Clients were grouped into those whose characteristics matched the selected methodology and those who did not.

Client maturity was assessed based on two dimensions: awareness and commitment. A methodology was considered suitable if it aligned with the client’s maturity type (e.g., high awareness suited to classic methods; high commitment to agile). Satisfaction was measured using a customized Servperv instrument, which evaluated five service quality dimensions: tangibles, activities, effectiveness, competencies, and empathy.

The results demonstrated a clear advantage in client satisfaction for projects where the methodology was matched to the client type (Servperv score of 80.55%) versus mismatched ones (49.10%). The study confirms the hypothesis that sustainable IT project management should integrate client characteristics into methodology selection. It calls for better integration of sustainability into IT project management standards and practices, especially in the SME sector.

Source: <website, PDF, etc.> PDF/Sustainability 2021, 13, 1466. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031466