Cognitive Sustainability

Waste-based fuels as part of sustainable mobility

2026-01-03T11:21:46+00:00

One of the main challenges for sustainable and new energy-based mobility is the development of alternative fuels, particularly those produced from waste. This paper aims to review the scientific literature on waste-based fuels and identify key technological, economic, and environmental trends. The paper presents a two-stage methodology: first, a quantitative analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. A qualitative evaluation of relevant studies follows it. The results of the analysis indicate that research primarily focuses on the pyrolysis of plastic waste and high-calorific fractions, as well as the biorefinery concept. In contrast, catalytic and thermochemical processes are the primary focus of the technological approaches. Waste-based fuels offer savings of up to 43% compared to fossil fuels and a favourable emissions profile; however, economic viability and regulatory frameworks remain significant challenges. The study concludes that widespread adoption requires an integrated approach that combines technological innovation, economic incentives, and life cycle assessments.

Technology, people, and management working together: A new way for sustainable airport operations

2026-01-03T11:21:46+00:00

This paper revisits the Technology–People–Management (TPM) framework for sustainable airport operations and strengthens its scientific grounding through a clearer theoretical foundation, transparent bibliometric methodology, and policy-oriented interpretation. A systematic review of fifty-one peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 is complemented by keyword co-occurrence analysis to elucidate interdependencies among technology, human factors, and managerial practices. The study interprets these findings through socio-technical systems theory and innovation diffusion perspectives, and aligns them with strategic aviation roadmaps, including the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan and the SESAR ATM Master Plan. Methodological rigor is enhanced by explicit criteria for keyword normalization, clustering parameters, and robustness checks, while discussion moves beyond description to analyze causal mechanisms that connect the three TPM components. The paper translates results into practical implications for regulators, air navigation service providers, and technology developers, and proposes a research agenda to address underexplored areas such as human–AI teaming, real-time machine learning in operations, and governance for data interoperability.

The human ecological significance of urban green spaces

2026-01-03T11:21:46+00:00

The proportion of the world’s population living in cities is steadily increasing, intensifying pressure on natural resources and urban ecosystems, particularly in historically developed large cities. Urbanisation poses significant environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, and deteriorating urban climate conditions. This study aims to highlight the role of sustainable urbanisation and urban green infrastructure in mitigating the negative environmental and social impacts of urban growth, with a particular focus on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and human well-being. The paper is based on a comprehensive review and synthesis of international and Hungarian scientific literature, policy documents, and urban planning concepts related to sustainability, green spaces, biodiversity, and urban ecology. Comparative examples from European cities are used to illustrate best practices in integrating green areas and ecological networks into urban structures. The analysis demonstrates that urban green spaces – regardless of whether they are of natural or artificial origin – provide essential ecological, climatic, social, and health-related functions. Well-connected green networks reduce habitat fragmentation, mitigate urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and contribute to physical and mental health. Furthermore, large, integrated green areas can significantly enhance urban sustainability and resilience. Preserving and expanding urban green spaces and ecological networks is a key prerequisite for livable, climate-adaptive, and healthy cities in the context of ongoing urbanisation.

Development Tendencies in Air Traffic Management

2026-01-03T11:21:46+00:00

This paper investigates the evolution of research themes in Air Traffic Management (ATM) between 2014 and 2024 using keyword co-occurrence analysis. Five dominant clusters—safety and human factors, capacity and airspace efficiency, automation and digitalisation, trajectory-based operations, and sustainability—are identified and interpreted through a socio-technical lens. Beyond describing clusters, the study examines inter-cluster dynamics and situates findings within the policy frameworks of the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and the European SESAR ATM Master Plan. The use of explicit criteria for keyword normalisation, clustering parameters, and validation metrics enhances methodological transparency. The paper proposes a targeted research agenda for underexplored areas, such as the practical integration of UAS and real-time machine learning in ATC operations. Finally, it outlines practical implications for regulators, ANSPs, technology developers, and training programs, and recommends methodological innovations.

Sovereign green bond reporting practices in the EU: a harmonised or fragmented landscape?

2026-01-03T11:21:46+00:00

In order to meet the growing funding needs of green transition in the European Union, member states started issuing green bonds. On the green bond market, sovereigns are expected to report on the use of the green bond proceeds and their impact. Several voluntary guidelines are available for green bond reporting on the market, including the International Capital Market Association Green Bond Principles (ICMA GBP) or the European Union Green Bond Standard (EuGBS), which is based on the EU Taxonomy. This study provides an overview on the current sovereign green bond reporting practices in the EU, taking into account their most recent green bond reports and related documents (green bond frameworks, external reviews etc.). The results show that all sovereigns in the EU implement the ICMA GBP, while many strive to comply with the criteria of the EU Taxonomy and EuGBS on a best effort basis. Due to the voluntary use of the standards, the reporting practices among sovereigns greatly vary: each country uses its own approach for EU Taxonomy assessment, allocation and impact reporting, which leads to market fragmentation and limited comparability of the sovereign green bonds. The EuGBS could create a common ground for reporting requirements by strengthening comparability and credibility and improving the transparency on the market. However, due to its strict requirements such as the alignment with the EU Taxonomy, it is complicated for sovereigns to comply with the standard.

Logistic process improvement in automotive industry using quality tools

2026-01-03T11:21:46+00:00

The automotive industry continues to face numerous challenges that demand ongoing process improvement and system optimization. Incidents reported in the media have highlighted the relevant impact regarding companies’ sustainability and brand image and consequently, the urgent need for stronger traceability mechanisms and faster response capabilities throughout the supply chain. This paper focuses on enhancing a key logistic process within automotive companies – the incoming material inspection – by applying the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) methodology. This process is critical, as it directly influences production flow, product quality, and overall supply chain efficiency.

The DMAIC approach was selected due to its proven effectiveness in driving systematic process improvements, reducing defects, and establishing measurable control standards across manufacturing and logistics operations. Each phase of the methodology provides a structured framework with clearly defined objectives, control mechanisms, and deadlines to ensure consistent progress and accountability. Implementation of the DMAIC methodology resulted in a more transparent, standardized, and efficient inspection process. Quantitative and qualitative outcomes demonstrated significant improvements in process control and traceability. Furthermore, the initial project objectives were fully achieved and, in several instances, surpassed – validating the robustness of the applied methodology.

This analysis highlights the critical role of structured quality improvement frameworks, such as DMAIC, in managing increasingly complex logistics operations. In an industry shaped by digital transformation and sustainability imperatives, adopting data-driven methodologies fosters agility, consistency, and a culture of continuous improvement is essential. Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, such approaches strengthen collaboration, accountability, and long-term competitiveness within the automotive sector.