Food security is a growing global challenge, intensified by urbanization and industrialization that encroach upon valuable agricultural land. In Singapore, a city-state with limited land and heavy reliance on food imports, ensuring nutritional self-sufficiency for its 5.9 million residents is an in-creasingly critical concern. This study investigates community attitudes toward the implementation of urban farming structures in residential areas and explores the feasibility of integrating space-saving farming solutions, such as urban, rooftop, and vertical farming, into Singapore’s urban land-scape. A survey conducted among local residents revealed a 73.4% positive outlook toward the concept of community urban farms, with respondents expressing strong support for the idea of localized food production. However, the survey also highlighted a significant gap in opportunities for residents to engage actively in the operation and maintenance of urban farms. Community in-volvement is a critical factor that influences the long-term sustainability and scalability of urban farming projects. These findings underscore the importance of developing strategies that foster and incentivize resident participation in these initiatives to enhance their success and viability. Based on the positive survey feedback, a modular urban farming unit was conceptualized and pro-totyped. With a focus on adaptable design and speed of installation, the designs focus on the inte-gration of agricultural spaces with minimal to zero modifications required for existing architectures. In particular, Housing Development Board (HDB) rooftops in Singapore, often have uneven terrain. To optimize environmental conditions for crop growth, advanced design tools such as Revit BIM for architectural modeling, IESVE for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize air-flow, and BIM HVAC for assessing lighting conditions were utilized to study the environmental con-ditions critical to crop growth. Following the successful digital prototyping phase, a physical proto-type was constructed at SIT@Dover campus, in Singapore. Between March and August 2023, Kailan and Bok Choy were cultivated, averaging an annual yield of 25.6 kg/m². A second prototype, optimized for maximum yield per floor area, was installed at the Oasis Living Lab between Septem-ber 2023 and February 2024, achieving a yield of 130.2 kg/m² per year. These results demon-strate the feasibility and adaptability of modular urban farming systems in high-density environ-ments. With supportive policies and collaboration among stakeholders, the widespread adoption of such systems can be realized in the near future.

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Barbara Ting Wei Ang  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Yin Mei Fong  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

David Tan  
Engineering Division, Netatech Pte Ltd, Singapore 469028, Singapore

Hui An  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Szu-Cheng Chien 
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Chew Beng Soh  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Matteo Clementi  
Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy

Valentina Dessi  
Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy

1. [1] Singapore food statistics 2023 (2023) Singapore, Singapore, Singapore Food Agency (SFA). (https://www.sfa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/publication/sg-food-statistics/singapore-food-statistics-2023.pdf) Accessed: 17 February 2025
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3. [3] Tatum M (2020) “Inside Singapore’s huge bet on vertical farming” MIT Technology Review (https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/10/13/1009497/singapore-vertical-farming-food-security/) Accessed: 17 February 2025
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The authors acknowledge the funding support by (i) Singa-pore Science and Technology Cooperation R22I0IR116 and (ii) under the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D 621 Pro-gramme first Grant Call (Theme 1 Sustainable Urban Food Production) Award SFS_RND_SUFP_ 001_09.

This research evaluates the sustainability reporting practices of 10 leading North American con-struction and engineering firms, focusing on adherence to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards for the Engineering and Construction Services sector. The analysis covers five material topics: Ecological Impacts, Product Quality & Safety, Employee Health & Safety, Prod-uct Design & Lifecycle Management, and Business Ethics. Results reveal significant gaps in report-ing, with most firms failing to meet full disclosure for SASB metrics. Ecological Impacts and Business Ethics are the weakest areas, with limited disclosures on environmental risks and anti-competitive practices. Employee Health & Safety shows moderate compliance, with few firms reporting key metrics like Total Recordable Incident Rates (TRIR). The study highlights the urgent need for en-hanced transparency, standardized reporting, and robust governance frameworks. Improving alignment with SASB standards will foster accountability, strengthen stakeholder trust, and ad-vance sustainability within the sector.

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Jason Pang  
Institute for Management and Innovation, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

Andrea Sanchez  
Institute for Management and Innovation, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

Jonathan Landsman  
Institute for Management and Innovation, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

Emilia Dunkerley  
Institute for Management and Innovation, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

Harleen Kaur  
Institute for Management and Innovation, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

Joanna Xu.  
Institute for Management and Innovation, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) panels are key technologies in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, yet enhancing their efficiency remains a significant challenge. The mismatch between the solar irradiance spectrum and the absorption spectrum of silicon results in a considerable loss of useful solar energy. In addition, the absorption of infrared radiation by PV panels leads to thermal buildup, which further reduces the power output over time. This study proposes the development of a light-conversion film incorporating up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to enhance the effi-ciency of PV panels. Lanthanide-based UCNP, NaYF₄³⁺/Er³⁺, were selected for their ability to con-vert near-infrared (NIR) light into visible light, thereby converting otherwise wasted thermal ener-gy into usable electrical energy. UCNPs convert energy through their intrinsic material properties, exhibiting good photostability, which is critical for long-term applications, thereby potentially re-ducing the overall cost of solar energy production. As a proof of concept, the UCNPs were incorpo-rated into a fluoropolymer matrix (FEVE) and applied to transparent 3M films, which were subse-quently tested across different days on silicon-based PV panels at the roof of the campus building at SIT@Dover between the period of May to July 2024. The matrix and films were chosen for their optical transparency and ease of application onto PV panels. Material characterization of the UCNP-coated films showed an optimal intersection between optical transparency and upconverted emis-sion intensity at a 10% concentration of UCNP. From empirical testing, the mixture of blue and green-emitting UCNPs delivered the best performance in terms of consistent power generation. Notably, the 10% green-emitting UCNP film outperformed the other configurations during peak sunlight, yielding power increases of 3.52% and 3.48%, respectively. When the UCNP-coated film’s performance was isolated from the substrate film, improvements were more pronounced, with gains of 9.74% and 9.69%, suggesting that better performance can be achieved if the UCNP is di-rectly incorporated into the PV panel. Assuming that a 9% increment in power generation can be achieved on a large scale, the estimated levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) can be reduced from SGD$1.31 to SGD$1.16. As part of future work, the UCNPs will be incorporated directly into the glass of PV panels or as an additional coating layer above the Silicon cells. This study contributes to the ongoing development of photovoltaic technologies, providing a practical solution to improve panel performance and support the global transition toward more efficient and sustainable energy systems.

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Li Zhong Pang  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Wei Jun Lim  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Barbara Ting Wei Ang  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Hui An  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Szu-Cheng Chien  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Chew Beng Soh  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

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The authors acknowledge the funding support by (i) Singa-pore Science and Technology Cooperation R22I0IR116 and (ii) under the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D 621 Pro-gram first Grant Call (Theme 1 Sustainable Urban Food Production) Award SFS_RND_SUFP_001_09.

Climate change has intensified extreme rainfall and flood events, posing significant threats to ur-ban sustainability. Floods, among the most catastrophic disasters, disrupt livelihoods and irreversi-bly damage economies, making disaster risk reduction critical for achieving safe, inclusive, and sus-tainable cities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Urban resilience, reflecting a city’s ability to respond, recover, and maintain core functions during disasters, is challenging to assess due to complex urban system interactions and the non-linear nature of climate emergencies. This study examines resilience through land use changes as indicators of urban sustainability against flood disasters, using Colombo City, Sri Lanka, as a case study. The research evaluates urban flood resilience (UFR) based on ten natural, physical, and social parameters, integrating urban growth simulation, flood modeling, and geospatial assessments at a 30-meter resolution. Land use catego-ries; waterbodies, wetlands, vegetation, and urban built-up areas; were analyzed alongside resili-ence classifications ranging from flood-susceptible to highly responsive. Results reveal that high-resilience areas are concentrated in vegetated high elevations and urban zones with effective drainage systems, while low-resilience areas are heavily populated floodplains and impervious city-center areas with limited greenery. Regression analysis confirms that impervious surfaces exacer-bate flood risk, while vegetation and wetlands provide long-term resistance to extreme rainfall. The findings emphasize the need for green infrastructure-oriented drainage networks and sustainable urbanization to mitigate pluvial floods. Incorporating land use changes and socio-economic factors highlights the importance of disaster preparedness at the grassroots level for effective mitigation strategies. From an urban planning perspective, this approach aids in guiding future land use changes, prioritizing sustainable growth, and informing decision-makers on resource allocation to enhance flood resilience in cities.

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Mutu Tantrige Osada Vishvajith Peiris  
Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

This study introduces "Insightful Design," a novel design methodology aimed at fostering creativity in product development. The proposed method incorporates four key steps: Ideation, Insight, Bri-colage, and Integration, effectively capturing the iterative funnel-shaped process of design thinking through alternating divergent and convergent phases. The methodology begins with Ideation, gen-erating abundant solutions to user problems. The Insight phase enables designers to identify links between user needs and solutions, streamlining the process and reducing the time required for systematic comparisons. Bricolage facilitates semi-intuitive matching of needs and solutions, pro-moting creative connections. Finally, the Integration step merges these elements into cohesive, in-novative design outcomes. The effectiveness of this method was validated through its application to five designs that were recognized in competitions themed by the Taipei World Design Capital. These results highlight the method’s ability to enhance creativity, linking user-centric needs with innovative solutions. "Insightful Design" offers a robust framework for tackling complex design challenges, advancing the practice of design thinking.

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Wen-Sheng Wang  
Department of Industrial Design, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung 413, Taiwan

Yann-Long Lee  
Department of Industrial Design, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung 413, Taiwan

1. [1] Illustrated problem-solving ability (2025) Bo-ke-lai (https://www.books.com.tw/products/0010431608) Accessed: 19 February 2025
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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

French luxury brands are renowned for their resilience amid ecological and macroeconomic chal-lenges, but their suppliers often face significant disruptions. This study examines the financial performance of 31 French luxury leather manufacturers over 16 years (2006–2021), focusing on return on assets (ROA) and return on sales (ROS). A comprehensive overview of the French leather market, including statistics on the implementation of corporate sustainability practices is provided. Using panel linear regression models with fixed effects, the analysis incorporates macroeconomic, market, and ecological variables, alongside a binary variable distinguishing four Hermès manufac-turers as part of a big luxury conglomerate. The results demonstrate the overall resilience of the luxury leather sector. The findings reveal that Hermès manufacturers, operating within a big luxu-ry conglomerate, are more influenced by interest rate fluctuations, which reflects their dependence on borrowing costs. Additionally, Hermès manufacturers show lower profitability and greater vul-nerability to external factors such as drought conditions, fluctuations in meat production, and meat prices compared to other luxury firms in the sample. These results challenge the perception that large-scale luxury corporations inherently enhance resilience and efficiency within the luxury manufacturing sector. This study contributes to understanding the complex interplay between economic, market, and ecological factors in the financial performance of luxury leather manufac-turers, offering insights for stakeholders aiming to strengthen resilience and profitability in this sector.

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Elizaveta Golovanova  
Department of Law, Management, Economics and Politics, University of Marie et Louis Pasteur, Besançon, France

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

The global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to light the vulnerabilities of urban areas, particularly their dependence on global supply chains for essential resources like energy, food, and water. These interruptions have highlighted the urgent need for local solutions that can safeguard the availability of such critical supplies. Moreover, the pandemic has underscored the public health risks associated with both outdoor and indoor pollution, which have been shown to worsen the spread and impact of the virus. In response, many countries are shifting focus towards policies that promote sustainable energy solutions, particularly those that emphasize the electrification of systems powered by renewable energy sources, as outlined by the International Energy Agency. While efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine remain a top priority, there is an increasing recognition of the necessity for innovative strategies that integrate renewable energy technologies, policy frameworks, and management practices to drive long-term recovery. This study aims to explore vital topics such as energy policy, biomass energy, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable power systems. This review captures the insights advancing the conversation on sustainable energy and the transition to renewable systems.

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Mille Ling Wei Goh  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Marcus Rui Jie Teo  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Wei Jun Lim  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Barbara Ting Wei Ang  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Chew Beng Soh  
Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore

Matteo Clementi  
Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy

Valentina Dessi  
Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy

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The authors acknowledge the funding support by (i) Singa-pore Science and Technology Cooperation R22I0IR116 and (ii) under the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D 621 Pro-gram first Grant Call (Theme 1 Sustainable Urban Food Production) Award SFS_RND_SUFP_001_09.

The global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to light the vulnerabilities of urban areas, particularly their dependence on global supply chains for essential resources like energy, food, and water. These interruptions have highlighted the urgent need for local solutions that can safeguard the availability of such critical supplies. Moreover, the pandemic has underscored the public health risks associated with both outdoor and indoor pollution, which have been shown to worsen the spread and impact of the virus. In response, many countries are shifting focus towards policies that promote sustainable energy solutions, particularly those that emphasize the electrification of systems powered by renewable energy sources, as outlined by the International Energy Agency. While efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine remain a top priority, there is an increasing recognition of the necessity for innovative strategies that integrate renewable energy technologies, policy frameworks, and management practices to drive long-term recovery. This study aims to explore vital topics such as energy policy, biomass energy, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable power systems. This review captures the insights advancing the conversation on sustainable energy and the transition to renewable systems.

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Ateeq ur Rehman  
Top World Academia and Consultants, Gujrat, Pakistan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

The architectural identities of a city and its surroundings are crucial for maintaining its quality and preserving its unique features. The cities of Afghanistan have undergone significant changes in their identities due to various internal and external factors. These factors have altered or destroyed the identity of the city, leading to the loss of architectural identity and increased confusion in numerous cities in Afghanistan. Throughout history, the city of Kabul, the largest city, has struggled to maintain an identifiable architectural style due to the rapid growth of informal settlements. Recently, large glass and synthetic material facades have become prominent features of Kabul’s urban landscape. These structures represent a new era of modernity, in contrast to the traditional mud-colored buildings that have long dominated the city’s architecture style. The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of building façades and finishing materials on Kabul's sustainable architectural identity, with the goal of studying the relationship between residential building design features and the city's cultural, social, and historical environment. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, which involves conducting a comprehensive literature analysis and a field study that involves collecting data through observations, interviews, and questionnaires to achieve its objectives. The findings indicate that the selection of building façades and finishing materials has a significant impact on the sustainable architectural identity of Kabul. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, architects, urban planners, and other stakeholders involved in shaping a sustainable built environment for Kabul and other similar cities in Afghanistan.

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Alavi Sayed Farhad 
Department of Architecture and Environmental Planning, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Education Program for Architecture and Environmental Planning, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan

Tomoyuki Tanaka 
Department of Architecture and Environmental Planning, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Challenges related to sustainable development require companies to align their strategies to meet stakeholder interests systematically. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are guiding objectives for sustainable development on an international level up to 2030. This article links the goals of the SDGs to a recognized strategic management tool: the sustainability balanced scorecard (SBSC). So far, few approaches exist in this field. Consequently, this article presents a framework for developing and applying an SBSC that takes an integrative view of the SDGs. For this purpose, the analytic network process (ANP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution are applied (TOPSIS). The article concludes that the solution approach presented has considerable potential to support organizations in systematically integrating the SDGs into their strategy. Also, this article proposes interesting future research directions.

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Tobias Rösner 
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Logistics, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany

Christina Bredebach 
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Logistics, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Rapid urbanization and increasing population concentration in the cities can pose many challenges that need to be addressed intelligently. The smart city can be a proper answer to these issues. With the research and development made for the smart city, smart mobility is an important aspect that can solve everyday transportation challenges the citizens face. Smart mobility introduced the concept of connected vehicles that can sense their surroundings and make intelligent decisions based on the data collected. Such a concept must take decisions requiring a secure interface to reduce the latency in sharing information. This review and analysis of the future of 5G and IoT in smart mobility discusses the current trends in the transport system, autonomous vehicles, public transport, car sharing schemes (mobility as a service) mobility on demand. IoT connects all transport systems and communicates using 5G technology which facilitates fast communication and reduces latency, allowing millions of devices to be connected to the network. In addition, this paper discusses how 5G can cater to the needs of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for smart mobility, which looks into the aspects of smart mobility and 5G technology helping smart mobility. Lastly, this study showcases an overview of 5G that enables smart mobility.

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Simra Fathima Nazim 
Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Amity University Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Energy Systems (Chubu Electric Power) Funded Research Division, Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability (IMaSS), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan

Tomonobu Senjyu 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Environmental sustainability and climate changes mitigation are linked with energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment. Whereas, renewable energy exploitation at large scale generation needs high initial investment, which is not achievable in short to medium terms, especially in developing countries. Therefore, energy efficiency measures as a good alternative for environmental sustainability are the researchers' interest to evaluate its potential from individual energy consumers to utility-scale (generation, transmission, and distribution). Referring to literature and the connection between the second law of thermodynamics and environmental impact, environmental effects are reduced due to low energy when energy efficiency increases. Therefore, assuring demanding efficiency, interrelations studies, and impact analysis of influential factors are known exigence. This study draws a thematic perspective that involves an exhaustive investigation, explaining the relationship between exergy, environment, and energy within optimum efficiency requirements. Also, this study deals with indicators and indices in adapt to energy and environmental demand to reveal the underlying fundamental impressing forces regarding efficiency improvement.

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Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Strategic Research Project Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 9030213, Japan

Tomonobu Senjyu 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 9030213, Japan

Mikaeel Ahmadi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 9030213, Japan

Gul Ahmad Ludin 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 9030213, Japan

Mohammad Hamid Ahadi 
Department of Intellectual Cooperation, Research and Education Promotion Association (REPA), Okinawa 900-0015, Japan

Hedayatullah Karimy 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul 1006, Afghanistan

Mahdi Khosravy 
Media Integrated Communication Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871 Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Currently, Afghanistan imports a high percentage of electric energy from the neighboring countries, while less attention has been paid on the utilization of internal domestic energy resources. Recently progress has been made with solar and wind energy, but other sources such as hydro energy remain underappreciated. Originally intended as a short-term solution to fulfill demand, the policy for importing power from neighboring countries is still in effect as energy demand has increased dramatically and exposed vulnerabilities in the existing power system. These issues can be categorized based on different aspects like technical, economic, political, security-related issues, natural disasters and many others that negatively affect the reliability of the energy sector. In this paper, the sustainability of the power system of Afghanistan is analyzed from different aspects. These multi-disciplinary problems are analyzed separately and linked with the weaknesses of the existing power system. The main objective of this study is to propose long-term solutions to the power sector by encouraging investment in the internal power generation to enhance sustainability and reliability. The proposed long-term solution also takes additional measures towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDG) such as economic growth, agricultural development, groundwater recharge, industrial development, flood and water control, job creation, and a green and clean environment.

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Mohebullah Wali 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Himayatullah Majidi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Milad Ahmad Abdullah 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mohammad Homayoun Yaqobi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

The enormous potential supply of energy in central Asia offers an excellent opportunity to establish international energy-sharing agreements, mitigate political instability, and improve regional socio-economic development. Pakistan and India have increasingly relied on energy imported from Middle and Central Asia to meet frequent energy shortages. Afghanistan has played a central role in recent efforts to balance energy trade among regional countries with an emerging opportunity as an emerging energy hub. This study considers what energy trade policies and strategies are needed to transform Afghanistan from energy consumer to energy provider. This analysis summarizes multi-disciplinary approaches that target geopolitics, economic, trade, management, institutional, environmental, and technical aspects. This study avoided a commentary description of the subject. The overriding objective of this study is addressing key solutions to enable Afghanistan as a leading stakeholder of the energy hub in the region countries. The finding of this study is outlined in 30 recommendations. Beneficiaries and stakeholders also express increasing concern about Afghanistan’s current security and political stability. This brief study can inform students, researchers, scholars, and interested policymakers with the recent trends and future outlook.

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Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Strategic Research Projects Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Tomonobu Senjyu 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Hameedullah Zaheb 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Najib Rahman Sabory 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mikaeel Ahamadi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Abdul Matin Ibrahimi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Zahra Nazari 
Department of Information Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mohammad Hamid Ahadi 
Department of Academic Affairs, Research and Education Promotion Association (REPA), Okinawa, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

In order to meet the growing need for cooling in buildings, solar air conditioning systems are a creative and environmentally friendly alternative. Solar energy is the primary energy source for producing chilled air, which can be used to maintain comforting inside temperatures. The working theories and components of several solar air conditioning systems, including hybrid, adsorption, and absorption systems, are thoroughly reviewed in this research. It also discusses the performance, efficiency, and economic feasibility of these systems and their environmental impact. The review highlights the potential benefits of solar air conditioning, such as plummeting greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy usage, and enhancing indoor air quality. However, the paper also recognizes the limitations and challenges that need to be addressed to increase the widespread adoption of solar air conditioning systems. During our analysis, we found that solar air conditioning systems require consideration in terms of design and technological aspects. Ensuring these systems perform optimally in different climates and are economically viable is crucial. While there are challenges involved such as addressing the variations in resources and the initial setup costs. However, we are witnessing progress through advancements in materials, components, and control strategies. This continuous improvement inspires and reinforces the belief that solar air conditioning can become an accessible cooling solution for applications. This review provides a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers interested in promoting sustainable and energy-efficient cooling technologies.

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Mohammad Azim Rasuli 
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Shuichi Torii 
Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

The modern world's reliance on fossil fuels has led to many issues, including rising fuel prices, pollution, climate change, and geopolitical unrest. While massive effort is required to deal with climate change comprehensively. Developing alternative energy sources and storage technologies is an important priority that can only be gained over time by reducing these issues. Because of this, recent years have seen an increase in the use of high-power and high-energy density storage systems, increasing the use of renewable energy sources or improving transportation efficiency contribute to climate change mitigation. Renewable energy resource deployment is associated with storage systems for reliable and continuous energy supply. It is essential to keep developing more efficient storage units to advance environmentally friendly technologies. Despite extensive research and development efforts, an essential upsurge in energy storage capability is required to meet future demand. In the next generation of energy storage devices, supercapacitors (SCs) seem an excellent candidate for wearable and portable electronics compared to the flexible lithium-ion batteries-based technologies. Electrochemically excellent carbon materials are required to protect the environment and develop renewable energy sources, but they are scarce. Depending on the desired carbon morphology, there are many different types of biomasses and biowaste materials from which to choose carbon precursors. The preparatory work and characterization of newly found and evolved bio-based carbon sources are discussed and summarized in this study. Precursor and nanostructure types are listed in alphabetical order. New carbon precursors with excellent electrochemical performance in energy storage applications are also discussed. Ultimately, a conclusion and an outlook from the application perspective are drawn.

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Qamar Navid 
Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany

Masoumeh Taali 
Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

Mahdi Khosravy 
Cross Labs, Cross-compass Ltd., Tokyo, Japan

Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Among the various types of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), the metal-oxide-based ones fulfill all the essential criteria such as strong bonding, organic linking units, and highly crystalline nature, properties required to be effective photocatalysts to serve environmental remediation. Moreover, the even spread of active sites and semiconductor properties make the MOFs ideal for absorbing irradiation from UV as well as visible light sources. Metal oxide composites with carbon based materials, especially, show high photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of organic dyes. Considering the relatively low cost of metal oxide semiconductors compared to pure metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide composites can provide a great alternative as photocatalysts especially considering the adjustable bandgaps and synergistic effects. Therefore, the metal oxide application as the photocatalysts in industry and technology in terms of techno-economic advantage is attracted. In this study, energy sustainability and solving carbon-related issues through metal oxide-based materials are discussed. This study aims to review metal oxide composites including metal oxide-MOFs and metal oxide-carbon material compositions as photocatalysts, application, merits in environmental and energy systems performances, and its contribution as an influential factor for sustainable development.

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Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Strategic Research Project Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

Tomonobu Senjyu 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

Abdul Matin Ibrahimi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

Arnab Bhattacharya 
Department of Academic Affairs, Research and Education Promotion Association (REPA), Okinawa 900-0015, Japan

Zahra Nazari 
Department of Computer Science, Kabul Polytechnic University, Kabul 1006, Afghanistan

Sayed Mir Shah Danish 
Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical Teachers Training Academy (TTTA), Chihl Sutton, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mikaeel Ahmadi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

In general terms, energy efficiency and conservation appraisal aspire to deliver an insatiable energy demand with less energy within the most significant amount of conservation and environmental benefits at the lowest possible price. Sustainable planning and design rely on a series of multi-disciplines: technical, technological, social, political, environmental, ecological, economic, institutional, and global restrictions that abstruse viable decision-making. Recent reports indicate that the residential building sector consumes 40% of the total energy and emits 30% of greenhouse gas (GHGs) worldwide. Thus accordingly, energy consumption in buildings is estimated at one-third of total primary energy resources. Therefore, proper modeling and optimization of a sustainable building in terms of energy efficiency and saving become a matter of focus. This paper explores an emerging picture of influential factors in the context of hands-on roadmap for energy-efficient and smart city planners, practitioners, scholars, and researchers. This study reviews the main points and proposes a framework in detail in the upcoming studies. Meanwhile, another objective of this paper was to introduce the most crucial indicators of energy-efficient building planning, design, and optimization to draw an exhaustive roadmap in compliance with resiliency, sustainability, and efficiency criteria throughout the lifecycle of a sustainable building.

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Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Strategic Research Project Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 9030213, Japan

Tomonobu Senjyu 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

Masooma Nazari 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada

Hameedullah Zaheb 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

Thabit Salim Nassor 
Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Mbweni Road, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Sayed Mir Shah Danish 
Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical Teachers Training Academy (TTTA), Chihl Sutton, Kabul, Afghanistan

Hedayatullah Karimy 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul 1006, Afghanistan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Afghanistan hosts the Hindu Kush, an extension of the Himalaya mountains that act as water sources for five major rivers flowing through Afghanistan. Most of these rivers provide promise for the construction of water dams and installment of micro hydropower plants (MHP). Although civil war and political strife continue to threaten the country for more than four decades, the Afghan government introduced strategic plans for the development of the country. In 2016 Afghanistan introduced the Afghanistan National Peace and Development (ANPD) Framework at Brussels designed to support Afghanistan’s progress towards achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). This study discussed the 7th Goal (ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all) and 8th Goal (promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) alignment in Afghanistan. The Afghan government acknowledges its responsibility to provide electricity for all of its citizens, but this can only be achieved if the government can secure a reliable source of energy. Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain provides a challenge to build a central energy distribution system. Therefore this study looks for alternative solutions to the energy problems in Afghanistan and explores feasibility of micro-hydropower plant installations in remote areas. This study evaluated socio-economic impacts of micro-hydropower plants in the life of average residents. We focused on one example of a micro hydropower plant located in Parwan, conducted interviews with local residents, and gathered on-site data. The findings in this study can help policymakers to analyze the effects of development projects in the social and economic life of residents. It will encourage the government and hopefully the private sector to invest in decentralized energy options, while the country is facing an ever-growing energy demand.

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Mohammad Airaj Firdaws Sadiq 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Najib Rahman Sabory 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Strategic Research Projects Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Tomonobu Senjyu 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

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3. [3] Danish MSS, Sabory NR, Danish SMS, Senjyu T, Ludin GA, et al. (2017) “Electricity Sector Development Trends in an After-war Country: Afghanistan Aspiration for an Independent Energy Country” Journal of Energy and Power Engineering (vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 553–557) https://doi.org/10.17265/1934-8975/2017.08.007
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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Afghanistan is one of the developing countries in South Asia with an enormous renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. Since 1893, utilization of secondary (modern) form of energy in Afghanistan has been pursued. The trends of sustainable energy provision have been reinforced after the post-conflicts in Afghanistan. The Sustainable Development Goal-7 (affordable and clean energy access) encourages nations to assess their resource development of renewable, affordable, and accessible energy. Unlike many developing countries that struggle to identify domestic sources of clean, sustainable energy, Afghanistan has hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal resources as assets. This literature review analyzes Afghanistan’s potential for renewable energy to identify obstacles and challenges like security, economics, and technology. Using surveys conducted by national and international organizations. This research evaluates Afghanistan’s progress in meeting SDG-7, identifies the main barriers for renewable energy development, and offers recommended solutions. This study reveals the facts of energy sector development in Afghanistan to enable students, researchers, and practitioners with an overview of the current situation and future direction of the energy sector. Also, this study offers a concise outlook for energy sector investors and donors at the national and international stages.

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Ahmad Khalid Slimankhil 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mohammad Abed Anwarzai 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Najib Rahman Sabory 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Strategic Research Projects Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Mikaeel Ahmadi 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Mohammad Hamid Ahadi 
Department of Academic Affairs, Research and Education Promotion Association (REPA), Okinawa, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.

Cities are predicted to host 80 % of the populations by 2050 considering the current urbanization rate. It is inevitable. No choice is left to us but to keep our cities clean and livable. Efficient use of energy is tightly linked with the smart cities. Looking at the technology development trends and the extensive need for efficient use of energy, cities must be transforming to smart ones in order to keep them clean and livable for this and generations to come. Kabul city population has been growing so rapidly and also expanding widely to its outskirts in the last two decades. Environmental footprints have been so significant and diverse. One of the critical issues with Kabul city has been the access to clean and abundant sources of energy. At the same time, lack of a master plan for its future has made this city in the danger of becoming empty from the habitants in few decades. This is very important to draw future now. Develop a new vision for our cities that is meeting the requirements of future. Kabul city needs one badly. One important area of a city to be discussed is its energy demand, supply and consumption. In this research, energy demand, sustainable sources of energy supply and consumption are thoroughly discussed. Based on our key assumption, livable and clean Kabul, all the other parameters are analyzed and suggested. In specific, we have discussed the energy demand for electricity, heating & cooling of buildings, transportation and industry. It is also assumed that Kabul will be modern and smart city with state of the art technology available all around it. Key data and references for this research are: 1. Sasaki Urban Design Framework for Kabul city, 2. Previous master plans of Kabul city, 3. Energy strategies and outlooks for Afghanistan, 4. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and many other guidelines internationally used for urban planning and design. This research will help policy makers, urban planners and designers, municipality authorities, other urban issues related sectors to work jointly and make smart and rational decisions for the capital of Afghanistan and save it from going abandoned.

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Najib Rahman Sabory 
Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

Mir Sayed Shah Danish 
Strategic Research Projects Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

Tomonobu Senjyu 
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan

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The author(s) has received no specific funding for this article/publication.