Talib E. Butt

Industry 4.0, which is due to the digital transformation through advanced technologies, has induced many advantages to the human society at every stratum. On the contrary, this revolution still runs the risk of reinforcing inequalities and undermining the broader goal of sustainable development for all, particularly in the context of urban-rural sustainability divide in correspondence to urban-rural digital divide. Although the existing literature considers the urban-rural divide in various contexts, including the digital divide, there is a lack of evidence specifically addressing the relationship between the urban-rural sustainability divide and the urban-rural digital divide. This knowledge gap hinders effective planning and decision-making for policymakers, planners, and other stakeholders, particularly in areas involving both urban and rural communities. To address this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the existing knowledge and provide new insights into the intersection between the urban-rural sustainability divide and the urban-rural digital divide. Using specific keywords, relevant literature is identified and categorized into digital, sustainability (with its three principal dimensions), and urban-rural divide implications. Key literature is systematically captured in a matrix, objectively presenting the state of existing knowledge and highlighting gaps. After separately discussing the urban-rural digital divide and the urban-rural sustainability divide, this study formulates the connectivity between the two, indicating challenges and possible ways forward to overcome them. For the first time in the literature, this study sheds light on these two types of divides, individually and collectively.

Purpose: In support of Facilities Management (FM) in the higher education sector, this study aims to outline an approach of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) in retrospect for existing buildings which are so old that their 2D drawings are substantially outdated and therefore fail to represent the current state of the built asset. A case study at Northumbria University illustrates a cost-effective retro-BIM methodology for developing BIM models of existing buildings, emphasizing lighting systems. By presenting an affordable alternative to the scan-to-BIM approach, the study lays the groundwork for further exploration of the potential of retrospective BIM to enhance FM efficiency in established structures. Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopted a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods, such as interviews and document analysis (in this study, the latter), gather insights into facility management practices, whereas quantitative methods assess the effectiveness of retro-BIM. A case study approach is utilized, focusing on a specific building. Additionally, a review of the existing literature and industry standards informs the research design, thereby creating an interdisciplinary approach that draws on architecture, engineering, construction management and information technology. Findings: The paper advocates applying BIM retrospectively to improve FM in the existing built environment, with a focus on higher education. A case study at Northumbria University, UK, demonstrates a cost-effective retro-BIM methodology, particularly for lighting systems. The study suggests broader adoption of retro-BIM due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to scan-to-BIM technology, emphasizing its potential to enhance FM practices across sectors, particularly for commercial, office-setting like buildings which are not far different to those of in the higher education sector. Research limitations/implications: While focused on retrospective BIM application in higher education, the study's reliance on a single case study and methodological considerations may limit its broader applicability. Nonetheless, the findings provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers, laying groundwork for future research directions and contributing to discussions on industry standards and sustainability goals. Practical implications: The paper presents an account of retrospective BIM implications at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom using a bespoke retro-BIM methodology. Originality/value: Focusing on “lighting”, the paper demonstrates how BIM models can be developed cost-effectively (in contrast to the more costly scan-to-BIM approach) for existing built-environment assets. In doing so, the paper seeks to form a staging post for further enquiry into retrospective BIM. Key highlights of the paper:

Solar Power Tower (SPT) technology is a promising renewable energy source. Prior studies on SPT design generally treat plant capacity as a fixed parameter within the broader set of technical variables defining the solar field and power block. These technical variables are typically optimized only against a single financial metric – most commonly the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Consequently, prior optimization frameworks do not integrate technical and financial domains in a coupled manner: plant capacity remains fixed within the technical group, and multiple financial metrics are not jointly evaluated within a unified optimization exercise. Using the Syrian Desert as a case, this study develops a simplified, site‐specific estimator of solar‐field optical efficiency based on SolarPILOT‐derived correlations between receiver thermal load and field performance. This correlation enables generation of an 8760‐hour optical‐efficiency profile without repeated heliostat‐field modeling and is integrated into a MATLAB techno‐economic model that sizes all SPT components and computes annual energy output, renewable penetration, and financial metrics including LCOE, TIC, NPV, and PBP. Energy and cost differences under 5% demonstrate strong agreement between MATLAB model and SAM validation. Genetic Algorithm is then applied to optimize plant capacity, solar multiple, and storage hours, yielding renewable penetration of 90.00%–93.67% for capacities between 98 and 120 MW. Using AHP, an optimal capacity of 194 MW is selected, delivering 71.90% renewable generation, a 9.5‐year payback period, an NPV of $976 million, an LCOE of 8.91 ¢/kWh, and a TIC of 7380.30 $/kW. A key limitation is the simplified solar‐field efficiency model, which cannot fully represent real heliostat‐field geometric, atmospheric, and operational complexities, so the optical efficiencies are approximate. Applying the framework elsewhere would require re‐parameterising this model.

Like several countries with industrial history and heritage, the risks associated with contaminated land (CL) are a widespread challenge in the United Kingdom (UK). Contaminated land and their risks are managed by local authorities, although consultancy is often sought from non-governmental organisations. There is a legal requirement for the relevant local authority to hold data on the status of any contaminated land and associated risks within their geographical remit. However, minimal legislation exists regarding the standardisation of documentation, including records of contaminated site management and the associated administrative procedures. Another fundamental challenge is that the data concerning contaminated land is non-integrated. This is because hundreds of different local authorities up and down the country manage sites in a non-uniform manner. The same is the case in England and Wales, which is the geographical remit of this study. For instance, there are variations in format, type of data, presentation of data, procedures to access the data (e.g., by environmental consultants), quality of data, and even quantity of data. To overcome such issues presented by the lack of integration, there is a substantial need for unification and standardisation at all scales. This study not only presents an account of aforesaid issues and their adverse implications but also outlines innovative models that can enhance the integration, unification, simplification, and standardisation of data/information management from local authorities through to a national level. These conceptual models involve the application of information matrices and GIS. Such models, when fully developed in future, can enhance the environmental communication and coordination between the diverse stakeholders involved in each contaminated site scenario, particularly including environmental regulators e.g., the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales, environmental consultants, and local authorities; similarly other associated stakeholders such as developers, the construction industry and land reclamation specialists.

Purpose: This study addresses the challenges posed by interwoven complexities that expose businesses to ESG (environmental, social and governance) risks. Specifically, the study aims to investigate and provide mechanisms to effectively use COSO’s (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) guidance in managing ESG-related risks. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a “combined approach,” integrating reductionistic risk management (COSO’s ERM) and holistic sustainability perspectives (India’s BRSR–Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report). It developed a worldwide transferable ESG risk management mechanism based on COSO’s and WBCSD’s ERM guidance, GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) and Integrated Reporting standards. It then applied to BRSR to create a country-specific performance assessment tool for ESG-related risk management. This tool, which categorizes 55 risk-relevant disclosures into ESG dimensions, has a four-point scale developed through sustainability-related content analysis. The study is validated with machine learning algorithms and experts’ opinions to enhance the robustness of the findings. The tool is operationalized on three Indian companies. Findings: The study’s findings reveal a gap in existing mechanisms for supporting the effective use of ERM in managing ESG-related risks. The two-folded mechanism demonstrates its applicability globally while offering a tailored solution for India through the BRSR system. Application of the developed tool to three real-world use cases showcases its practical effectiveness in addressing and mitigating ESG risks. Originality/value: This study offers a novel approach to assessing ESG-related risks. The two-folded mechanism adds originality to existing literature. Additionally, validating the “holistic and reductionistic” approach with machine learning algorithms enhances the originality and innovation of the study, providing a valuable resource for diverse stakeholders involved in decision-making related to ESG risks.

The world faces tremendous socio‐economic and environmental challenges, and to address these, the UN provides a global framework in the form of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which can also be applied to the business sector. India's BRR (Business Responsibility Report) system guides corporate sustainability; however, it lacks a clear alignment with the SDGs. In order to address this knowledge gap, this study creates a mapping system that can better align Indian companies' sustainability practices with the SDGs. The study, employing a hybrid methodology, conducts a sustainability content analysis with Critical Hermeneutic Analysis (CHA) to design and develop the mapping system incorporating SDGs and respective targets and indicators. The mapping system is applied to three Indian companies of different sizes. This demonstrates that the application is possible, although not being considered by the Indian business sector while using BRR. Through this mapping approach applied in the case of India, the study demonstrates the potential for replicability for SDG inclusion in other nations as well. In addition, the findings provide new insights for policymakers and business leaders to improve SDGs' integration in corporate reporting, promoting sustainable practices.

In the face of climate change challenges, energy demand is still increasing, and renewable energy is becoming increasingly necessary as a sustainable resource. Solar energy stands out as a promising renewable resource, yet its widespread adoption faces challenges, notably the substantial land requirements for photovoltaic (PV) panels. This conflict intensifies as land could be more efficiently utilized for agriculture and development. Conversely, railway infrastructure occupies expansive tracts of land, presenting an opportunity to integrate PV panels without disrupting rail operations. However, a comprehensive assessment of the solar potential along railway tracks on a national scale is lacking for different countries and the UK is one of them. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the feasibility of installing PV panels on railway tracks throughout the UK to generate electricity. Utilizing mathematical models tailored to five distinct solar panel technologies, the study incorporates various factors, including solar radiation levels across different months. Assumptions were made where necessary, with values for certain variables averaged to facilitate calculations. The findings reveal that solar energy harnessed from railways could satisfy up to 8% of the UK's total electricity demand, with a minimum contribution of 0.3%. This study provides valuable insights from a UK‐centric perspective and offers a replicable framework for similar assessments in other countries with extensive railway networks, such as China and India. By leveraging existing infrastructure for renewable energy generation, such initiatives could contribute significantly to global sustainability efforts.

Sustainability continues to be a key field of study, encapsulating three principle dimensions: social, economic and environmental, which are also found within the context of climate change. However, there appears to be limited literature drawing upon the between sustainability and climate change. relationship, particularly in connection to carbon emissions and energy management. These issues have already been the subject of legislation in different countries, though still, predominantly individually rather than from an integrated perspective. The Climate Change At (2008) provides a platform through which the relationship between sustainability and climate change can be considered. This paper establishes this relationship aspects of this relationship by employing the increased use of insulation within the UK housing stock to contribute to achieving the carbon reduction set by the Act. Taking a retrospective view through theoretical numerical modelling, this paper demonstrates that CO2 reductions were achievable. The results demonstrate that links can be drawn between sustainability and climate change and identifies that significant CO2 savings, through robust energy management of the UK housing stock, these results can be achieved. It is also suggested that the theoretical mole developed can be reproduced to consider climate change targets and provide benchmarks, not only in the UK but in other countries.