Edited and reviewed by: Samuel Carvalho De Benedicto, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Brazil
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This Research Topic of Frontiers in Sustainability presents a diverse array of articles that collectively contribute to the multifaceted discourse on sustainability. The majority of these articles were presented at an annual international conference and project showcase, Smart Sustainable Development (SSD) 2024, for a community of sustainability practitioners to share research with a focus on innovation.
By grouping the articles produced by subject matter, we can better appreciate how they address common challenges and opportunities from different perspectives. This editorial highlights the commonalities within each group and explores how their findings complement each other in advancing sustainability, all framed within the context of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Four articles focus on education, emphasising its critical role in fostering sustainable practises and inclusivity:
– AI and student assessment in human centred education (
– Quality education for all: a case study of success for a neurodivergent learner (
– The significance of global nature-based education to ensure a sustainable world: an urgent need for change (
– Embedding Te Whare Ako and Te Hono o Te Kahurangi to achieving SDG-4 in Tertiary Education in Aotearoa New Zealand (
These articles converge on the theme of enhancing educational frameworks to promote sustainability and inclusivity. They address the need for innovative assessment methods that leverage AI to create equitable learning environments, highlight strategies to support neurodivergent learners, and advocate for the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into tertiary education. Together, they underscore the importance of accessible and culturally relevant education as a foundation for sustainable development.
When these contributions are framed within
Moreover, these educational initiatives contribute to
A second group of articles examines sustainability in specific industries, particularly agriculture and construction:
– Addressing barriers and unveiling opportunities for plastic waste recycling in the New Zealand construction industry (
– Tomato disease detection with lightweight recurrent and convolutional deep learning models for sustainable and smart agriculture (
These contributions highlight the significance of adopting sustainable practises in their respective sectors. The construction article identifies barriers to effective recycling of plastic waste and proposes practical solutions to enhance recycling rates and reduce contributions to landfills. In parallel, the agriculture article showcases technological innovations that improve disease detection in crops, thereby increasing efficiency and sustainability. Both articles emphasise the need for industry-specific strategies that not only address waste management but also enhance resource efficiency, ultimately contributing to a circular economy. This aligns with
Two articles delve into understanding the motivations that drive sustainable behaviour:
– Exploring the motivation of sustainable commuting: a case study of international students in Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus (
– Action learning for change management in digital transformation (
The commuting article investigates the factors influencing international students' choices regarding sustainable transportation options, providing insights into how personal motivations can lead to broader environmental benefits. The change management article discusses strategies for fostering organisational commitment to sustainability during digital transformations. Together, they illustrate how understanding motivation—whether individual or organisational—can catalyze significant shifts toward more sustainable practises.
This exploration is closely tied to
The final group of contributions includes articles that propose transformative frameworks aimed at redefining value dynamics in contemporary contexts:
– Understanding the future of carbon neutrality in the culinary arts through non-representational theory, practise theory, and design (
– Sustainable digital rent: a transformative framework for value dynamics in the digital age (
These contributions emphasise the need for innovative frameworks that can guide industries toward sustainability. The culinary arts article explores how carbon neutrality can be achieved through thoughtful design and practise, while the digital rent article introduces a framework for creating sustainable value in digital economies. Both studies advocate for a rethinking of traditional approaches to value creation, suggesting that transformative frameworks are essential to address contemporary sustainability challenges.
These discussions resonate with
These frameworks also align with
This Research Topic encapsulates a rich tapestry of international research that collectively advances our understanding of sustainability across multiple domains. By addressing common challenges from multiple angles—education, industry practises, behaviour change, and innovative frameworks—these articles provide valuable insights into how we can collectively navigate the complexities of sustainability.
As we face an increasingly urgent global context marked by environmental degradation and social inequities, these diverse perspectives offer pathways to a more sustainable future grounded in collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.
Through continued dialogue between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communities worldwide, we can cultivate a resilient society that is equipped to thrive sustainably in the midst of change. This collective effort will be essential as we strive to fulfil our commitments under the SDGs while ensuring a just transition to sustainability for all.
T-AB: Project administration, Writing – review & editing. JB: Writing – original draft. LM-E: Writing – review & editing. FO: Writing – review & editing.
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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