School of Engineering and Sustainable Development
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Item Open Access Action-oriented ESD for community benefit: two sustainability audit case studies(2024-03-21) Reeves, Andrew; Gretton, S.Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) often uses ‘action-oriented’ pedagogies, which aim to deliver mutual benefit for learners and community stakeholders. This presentation shares two contrasting approaches to partner students with local businesses to evaluate their sustainability impacts. At University of Leicester (UoL), a Sustainability Audit process originally delivered by staff has been adapted into a credit-bearing ‘work-related learning module’, delivered with undergraduate science students from four programmes. Working with real-world data and interdisciplinary approaches, students produce an evidence-based recommendations report for businesses, developing competencies as ‘change-makers’ in alignment with UoL strategy. The UoL audit process was shared with De Montfort University (DMU) in a joint project where students were trained and paid to deliver sustainability audits. The process was revised into a user-friendly self-completion spreadsheet, designed for use without prior training. This entry-level process enables large-scale reach, potentially within hundreds of employer placements taking place through DMU annually, delivering on DMU’s strategic commitment to ‘partnerships with purpose’. Taken together, the case studies demonstrate cross-fertilisation between local universities and formal/informal curriculum linkages, highlighting diverse strategies for pursuing the ESD agenda in alignment with institutional priorities.Item Metadata only Agri-environmental schemes for biodiversity and environmental protection: How we are not yet “hitting the right keys”(Elsevier, 2021-06-21) Tyllianakis, Emmanouil; Martin-Ortega, JuliaCompensating land managers for the provision of public goods is currently one of the European Union’s flagship policies, and one that that resonates across the globe more generally in the effort to meet Sustainable Development Goals. Despite having been central to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for several decades now, Agri-Environment Schemes (AES) seem to only have had limited success in preserving biodiversity and providing environmental benefits due, among other, to farmer-related factors. This paper systematically reviews and quantifies, for the first time, the body of evidence that explores these factors with respect to their influence on land managers’ willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for the delivery of biodiversity and environmental features’ protection. Our analysis shows a complex and nuanced picture. Farmers appear generally willing to enrol in AES, with average payment per hectare being around 327 Euros. However, the current evidence base provides few clues on how best that willingness is matched by contract design formats and features more generally. Providing support to farmers and exploring new ways of monitoring compliance emerge as issues worth considering as means of determining compensation in AES. Further, the broader evidence base seems to suggest that wealthier land managers stand to gain more than less wealthy in enroling in AES. However, this alone seems, in the overall, like a quite modest contribution from the body of evidence to inform policy design more broadly. It indeed does seem that we (academia and/or policy) are not yet hitting the right key on how to best match farmers preferences for enroling in AES for the delivery of biodiversity/environmental features A significant leap forward would not simply require an increased quantity of primary studies, but a deeper reflexion on how the complexity of farmers’ preferences is best captured in the design of policy instruments that have to both share common features while being adaptable to context dependent characteristics at the landscape level. This is more pressing than ever face to the unprecedented challenges of Brexit and the COVID19-induced economic recession, which is going to put every cent of public funding under the hardest of scrutinies in the years to come.Item Metadata only An approach for assessing and ranking fisheries management scenarios in spatially delimited marine areas(Oxford Academic, 2023-04-05) Tyllianakis, Emmanouil; Clare, D. S.; Martinez, R.; Goodsir, F.; Spence, M. A.; Ware, S.; Schratzberger, M.Spatial restrictions to human activities such as bottom trawling are increasingly used to improve the ecological condition of disturbed habitats. Such management interventions typically have socio-economic consequences, which creates a challenge for those making decisions about which activities should be restricted and where restrictions should apply. We present an approach for predicting the effects of fisheries management scenarios in spatially delimited marine areas and ranking them—using a loss function—according to how well they achieve desired outcomes across a set of ecological and socio-economic indicators. This approach is demonstrated by simulating alternative fishing gear restrictions and zoning options within a hypothetical marine protected area (MPA). Relative benthic status (RBS; an indicator of ecological condition) and relative catch value (RCV; an indicator of potential economic cost) were estimated for the baseline environment and 21 potential management scenarios. The rank order depended on which indicator was prioritized (i.e. whether RBS or RCV was given greater weighting in the loss function), with the top-ranked scenarios in each case involving considerably different management measures. The methods presented can be applied anywhere using locally or strategically relevant indicators to help identify spatial fisheries management measures that minimize ecological and socio-economic trade-offs.Item Open Access Assessing PET composite prosthetic solutions: A step towards inclusive healthcare(Elsevier, 2024-10-02) Nagarajan, Yogeshvaran R.; Farukh, Farukh; Kandan, Karthikeyan; Singh, Amit Kumar; Mukul, PoojaThe demand for affordable prostheses is particularly high in Low Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Currently, sockets are predominantly manufactured using monolithic thermoplastic polymers, which lack durability and strength, or consumptive thermoset resin reinforcing with expensive composite fillers like carbon, glass, or Kevlar fibers. However, there exist unmet and demanding needs among amputees for procuring low-cost, high-strength, and faster socket manufacturing methods. We evaluate a socket made from a novel manufacturing technique utilizing an affordable and sustainable composite material called commingled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) yarn, along with a reusable vacuum bag, to produce custom-made sockets in a purpose-built curing oven. Our innovative fabrication methodology enables the production of complex-shaped patient sockets in under 4 h. To evaluate the efficacy and performance of the PET sockets, we conducted trials with both unilateral and bilateral amputees over a six-month period, in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) in India. Utilizing a 6-min walking test, we measured various gait parameters, including ground reaction forces and flexion angle, for both unilateral and bilateral amputees. The gait analysis conducted on amputees using our PET-based sockets demonstrated their ability to engage in daily activities without interruptions, reaffirming the functional efficacy of our approach. By combining self-reinforced PET with our novel fabrication technique, we offer a unique and accessible solution that benefits clinicians and patients alike. This study represents significant progress towards achieving affordable and personalized prostheses that cater to the needs of LMICs.Item Metadata only Catalysing Environmental Action: a Governance Framework for Enhancing Individual Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Plastic Circular Economy(Springer, 2024-09-17) Ambituuni, Ambisisi; Ajala, Olubunmi; Schroeder, Patrick; Oyinlola, M. A.Plastic waste poses a significant challenge to achieving sustainable production and consumption of resources, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where effective governance and waste management systems are lacking. In this paper, we develop an empirical understanding of the influence of public governance system on promoting circular economy (CE) for plastic actions among individuals. Through a survey of 1475 participants across five sub-Saharan African countries, we tested five hypotheses drawing on New Governance Theory and CE Action Recipe to explore the relationship between governance and individual’s actions supporting CE for plastic. We found that a governance system that supports CE practices and exhibits governance efficiency is positively associated with individuals’ actions supporting CE for plastic. The awareness of government policies, laws and regulations, institutions, processes, and programmes have a significant impact on individuals’ engagement in plastic circularity practices. The paper’s theoretical and governance implications highlight the relevance of public governance in shaping action towards a CE for plastic at the individual level.Item Open Access Civic collaboration for “Sustainability Skills” and “Green Jobs”: making ESD relatable(2023-03-30) Reeves, Andrew; Jones, L.Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has an apparent strong fit with other key strategic agendas of universities, including the civic role of addressing regional socio-economic and environmental challenges, and the employability agenda to develop workplace preparedness of graduates. But do employment-related ESD priorities as articulated by policymakers and within universities (“green jobs”; “sustainability skills and competencies”) align with how employers themselves understand their current challenges and future needs and the skills students need to be workplace-ready? This presentation shares findings and introduces questions raised from a stakeholder engagement project delivered in Leicester and Leicestershire in 2022 to explore potential collaborations between tertiary educators and employers to develop sustainability skills on a regional level. Building on two initial online poll questions on attendees’ views on these issues, our talk will highlight how concepts such as ‘Green Jobs’ and ‘Sustainability Skills’ can be understood and highlight challenges around regional employers seeing the relevance and applicability of these issues for their operations and recruitment. We will offer ideas on how to address the employer engagement gap and enhance students’ workplace readiness, including closer university-employer educational partnerships and making professional roles addressing sustainability more relatable for employers and students through engaging case studies.Item Open Access Enabling local climate action towards net zero at community level: evaluating toolkits for SMEs and the voluntary sector(2022-06) Reeves, Andrew; Mistry, A.Enabling local climate action towards net zero at community level: evaluating toolkits for SMEs and the voluntary sector With countries and municipalities across the globe making climate change commitments towards ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions within their region, there is an increasing need for strong engagement by all sectors of society, including citizens, businesses and communities. In parallel, the civic role of universities is creating a driver for them to support place-based responses to the climate emergency within their locality by leveraging their knowledge, skills and resources. This paper offers an example of where these agendas coincide, with two UK universities in the city of Leicester collaborating with the local municipality and business development networks to enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary sector organisations (VSOs) to develop net zero decarbonisation plans. The two target sectors both have significant roles to play – SMEs because they account for 60% of private sector employment and VSOs because as member-led or community-oriented organisations, they have strong opportunities to support public engagement processes. Over a one-year period, a self-service toolkit for organisations to develop decarbonisation plans was piloted with ten VSOs and forty SMEs. The toolkit includes a series of prompts and questions along with supporting guidance that can be used to devise a stated commitment to reducing carbon emissions and an annual plan of actions addressing energy in buildings, transport, procurement and learning. The engagement and evaluation process enabled each organisation to share views on their support needs, to pilot using the tool and to share evaluative feedback through surveys and/or interviews on its effectiveness. The findings highlight some of the key learning and resource needs articulated by organisations in these sectors and their priority actions on a pathway towards net zero. The widely differing levels of existing knowledge and engagement within these organisations also highlight the need for a broad range of support approaches, from entry-level to context-specific technical guidance.Item Open Access ESD for all? Do Sustainability Competencies need Decolonising?(2024-02-07) Reeves, Andrew; Salvi, Shweta; Kettle, E.How should practices in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) take into account the critique offered by the Decolonising agenda of higher education pedagogy, assessment and euro-centric perspectives? This poster focuses on one aspect of this challenge – the long-established aim of ESD to develop cross-cutting learner competencies to empower them to effect transformative change for societal benefit. Most recently, an 8-competency framework put forward by UNESCO was enshrined in the joint AdvanceHE/QAA guidance on ESD curriculum design for the UK HE sector. These competencies include systemic thinking, collaborative working and adopting a reflexive and values-driven approach. Such ESD competency frameworks have been criticised as being overly Eurocentric, both in terms of who put them forward and the contexts in which they can be successfully applied, and little research has proposed sustainability competencies in broader societal contexts. This poster aims to initiate dialogue on sustainability competencies as viewed through a Decolonising lens, by: introducing the concept as currently used; highlighting potentially under-represented key competencies; and outlining principles for developing relevant competencies for global learners in any context. This work is relevant for any taught course which seeks to empower diverse learners, including international students, to effect transformative social change professionally or personally.Item Open Access Exploring the connections between mini-grid market regulation and energy access expansion: The case of Nigeria(Elsevier, 2023-11-08) Sesan, Temilade; Uduka, Unico; Baker, Lucy; Ugwu, Okechukwu; Eleri, Ewah; Bhattacharyya, SubhesAbout 140 million people across Africa are expected to gain access to electricity from mini grids by 2040. Nigeria, with the least dependable electricity supply on the continent, stands to benefit significantly from this boon. Accordingly, the government has put in place clear regulations to incentivise private investment and drive market growth. While the techno-economic dimensions of the growing mini-grid sector and the broader electricity industry have been extensively studied, less attention has been paid to analysing the impacts of the regulatory framework on the achievement of rural electrification and universal energy access goals. Drawing on qualitative data obtained from key regulatory and market actors in the Nigerian mini-grid sector, this paper interrogates the premise of pursuing widespread rural electrification through a regulatory framework that is primarily geared toward increasing market efficiency. The study finds that, while the current framework has enabled growth in the sector, complementary mechanisms are required to achieve equitable distribution of access, especially among the mainly rural populations dwelling on the fringes of mainstream electricity markets. The findings are instructive for practitioners and policy makers seeking evidence-informed approaches to achieving the goal of universal energy access in Africa.Item Open Access Harnessing Academic Quality Processes to address Sustainability in Higher Education Courses: Issues and Opportunities in the UK(2024-04-11) Reeves, Andrew; Gwilliam, J.; Harrison, P.; Prize, L.; Schantz, N.; Ribchester, C.; Hughes, T.; Gretton, S.; Strachan, S.; Logan, L.; Boxley, S.; Lengthorn, E.; Barrett, H.; Peres, S.To mainstream education for sustainability across all courses in a higher education institution, there is clear value in harnessing academic quality processes, which regulate taught courses’ approval and enhancement. For UK universities, there has been slow progress to date in making sustainability feature in such processes and there is a lack of knowledge about what influences academic quality processes to be used in this way and of the impacts that result. This study addresses this knowledge gap using data from an online survey of staff in UK universities (n=84) and evidence from 11 universities taking part in a one-year collaborative project to enhance their use of academic quality processes to better address Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Our findings show that whilst institutional commitments to sustainability are now widespread, the adoption of academic quality processes to embed sustainability in the curriculum lags behind. Even where processes mention sustainability, this is frequently viewed as an ineffective “tick-box” exercise. To achieve impactful ESD adoption, academic quality processes that address sustainability rely upon a strong enabling environment. Key enabling factors include: strategic commitment to sustainability; available ESD expertise from staff mentors; and clear examples of strong ESD practice and associated academic quality documentation.Item Open Access Mainstreaming sustainability across a UK university: principles and practices for civic engagement and Education for Sustainable Development(2023-11-28) Reeves, AndrewUniversities are in many respects strongly positioned to lead societal efforts to transition towards sustainability, as future-focussed organisations with responsibilities towards, research, education and community benefit. However their operating contexts vary significantly - in terms of their size, history, culture, location, expertise and their understandings of the transformations that addressing the sustainable development agenda will entail. This presentation offers a reflective case study of one institution's ongoing work to meaningfully address sustainability across all activities, focussing upon two aspects: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the civic university agenda to partner with community actors for local and regional benefit. Drawing on experiences over the past five years and outputs from recent research on addressing ESD and civic agendas through university-wide activities and strategies, the talk offers principles and practices to consider that may have value for mainstreaming sustainability in a range of higher education settings.Item Metadata only Oil and Subsidies(2022-08-16) Bhattacharyya, SubhesSocio-political reasons have often influenced retail price of petroleum products in both oil exporting and oil importing countries. Countries have used differential fiscal measures to tax or subsidise petroleum products. Subsidised products have resulted in higher demand for products, which in turn has contributed to environmental pollution, higher import dependency for importers and loss of export revenue for exporters. The main purpose of this chapter is to present an analysis of global oil subsidies. The chapter presents different types of oil subsidies prevalent in different segments of the oil supply chain and highlights the factors and considerations that influence subsidy decisions. A comparison of recent oil subsidy estimates is then presented which reveals significant variation among studies due to differences in the assumptions and estimation methodologies. The effects of oil subsidies and the implications of oil subsidy removal are then considered. The analysis presented here highlights the difficulties in subsidy estimation due to the presence of multiple and divergent factors. It also draws attention to the potential loss of welfare for the poorer section of the population chapter and the consequent potential for a return to traditional fuel wood for meeting energy needs by the poor. Any subsidy removal programmes need to take care of such regressive outcomes.Item Open Access Optimised Deep Learning for Time-Critical Load Forecasting Using LSTM and Modified Particle Swarm Optimisation(MDPI, 2024-11-05) Zulfiqar, M.; Gamage, K. A. A.; Rasheed, M. B.; Gould, C.Short-term electric load forecasting is critical for power system planning and operations due to demand fluctuations driven by variable energy resources. While deep learning-based forecasting models have shown strong performance, time-sensitive applications require improvements in both accuracy and convergence speed. To address this, we propose a hybrid model that combines long short-term memory (LSTM) with a modified particle swarm optimisation (mPSO) algorithm. Although LSTM is effective for nonlinear time-series predictions, its computational complexity increases with parameter variations. To overcome this, mPSO is used for parameter tuning, ensuring accurate forecasting while avoiding local optima. Additionally, XGBoost and decision tree filtering algorithms are incorporated to reduce dimensionality and prevent overfitting. Unlike existing models that focus mainly on accuracy, our framework optimises accuracy, stability, and convergence rate simultaneously. The model was tested on real hourly load data from New South Wales and Victoria, significantly outperforming benchmark models such as ENN, LSTM, GA-LSTM, and PSO-LSTM. For NSW, the proposed model reduced MSE by 91.91%, RMSE by 94.89%, and MAPE by 74.29%. In VIC, MSE decreased by 91.33%, RMSE by 95.73%, and MAPE by 72.06%, showcasing superior performance across all metrics.Item Metadata only Prospective tourist preferences for sustainable tourism development in Small Island Developing States(Elsevier, 2020-07-08) Grilli, Gaetano; Tyllianakis, Emmanouil; Luisetti, Tiziana; Ferrini, Silvia; Turner, R. KerryTourism development is crucial for economic growth in Small Island Developing States, but its management involves trade-offs between ecosystem services and social and cultural identities. This paper aims to contribute to the debate around the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through an investigation of the sustainable management of tourism and coastal ecosystem services. The paper presents a choice experiment and latent factor analysis to disentangle relevant aspects of sustainable tourism in Small Island Developing States for potential visitors. Willingness to pay is reported for the different factors revealing preferences variability for previous and prospective visitors. Pro-environmental attitudes influence individual tastes and policy makers should consider these traits in order to attract visitors and private funding. Our findings show that prospective tourists are interested in the wider aspects of the tourism experience which in turn require the careful management of social and environmental resources in Small Island Developing States.Item Open Access State of Charge Estimation for Electric Vehicles With Long Short-term Memory: A Review(Institute Of Economic Development And Social Researches Publications, 2024-07-31) Efe, Leyla; Tabak, Abdulsamed; Gammon, RupertThe increasing demand for electric vehicles in recent years increases the importance of the battery management system (BMS). Battery values such as current, voltage and temperature are measured and precautions are taken in terms of battery usability, battery life and safety with BMS. The estimation of the battery state of charge (SOC), health, temperature, energy, function, power, security, battery life and remaining useful life (RUL) is important for BMS. In particular, it is very significant to estimate SOC accurately and reliably. Methods used for SOC estimation can be considered in four main categories: physics-based, data-based, statistical and hybrid algorithms. Because battery data is very large and complex, data-based algorithms are more widely used for SOC estimation. Deep learning (DL) algorithms are data-based algorithms. In recent studies, long short-term memory (LSTM) method is a well-known DL strategy that has been shown to outperform many other approaches for SOC estimation. Current, voltage and temperature parameters are used when estimating SOC. These parameters change depending on time. The LSTM model performs very successfully in time series. LSTM is an algorithm that consists of sequential structures and can learn long-term operations. For these reasons, the LSTM method is one of the frequently used algorithms in SOC estimation. In this review, LSTM methods used for battery SOC estimation in electric vehicles are mentioned. Data sets, temperature conditions and fusion algorithm studies with LSTM are mentioned. This study is presented by examining the articles published in the last five years. Aim of this review is to examine the latest and current research on SOC estimation with LSTM methods.Item Embargo Strengthening commercial viability through greater inclusiveness in rural mini- grid deployment: Insights from Nigeria and Kenya(Elsevier, 2024-10-17) Sesan, Temilade; Fajardo, Adriana; Baker, Lucy; Uduka, Unico; Kausya, Mourice; Kerr, Daniel William; Onsongo, Elsie; Ugwu, Okechukwu; Eleri, Ewah; Bhattacharyya, SubhesAmidst the prevalence of energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, mini grids have emerged in recent years as a promising solution, not only to bridge lingering electricity access gaps, but also to revitalise rural economies. The realisation of this promise however depends on the extent to which business models, i.e., the value that mini-grid companies offer to different customer segments, are able to respond to the peculiar needs of the largely low-income, agrarian contexts in which they operate. Private developers across the region have been especially innovative in evolving mini-grid business models over time; nonetheless, achieving the goal of commercial viability while serving the majority of rural dwellers remains elusive. Our paper analyses how two private mini-grid developers in Nigeria and Kenya have approached this challenge, introducing business models that address the needs of small- scale farmers for growth while targeting increased revenue for their respective companies. These cases provide evidence for the added value of employing a “Key Starter” model – one in which developers begin to facilitate inputs early on in agricultural value chains, in addition to the latter-stage investments emphasised in conventional approaches to powering the agriculture-energy nexus. Our analysis is grounded in the premise that broad-based development should be pursued in tandem with electricity access provision in low-income agrarian communities across Africa. We conclude that significant financial and policy support, as well as further research and iteration, will be required to realise the potential of the KeyStarter model to resolve the twin challenges of mini-grid viability and inclusiveness at scale.Item Open Access The environment for a digitally enabled circular plastics economy in Africa: lessons from cross-sectional stakeholder engagements(Emerald, 2024-08-28) Oyinlola, M. A.; Kolade, Oluwaseun; Schröder, Patrick; Odumuyiwa, Victor; Rawn, Barry; Wakunuma, Kutoma; Sharifi, Soroosh; Lendelvo, Selma; Akanmu, Ifeoluwa; Whitehead, Timothy; Mtonga, Radhia; Tijani, Bosun; Abolfathi, SoroushPurpose This paper aims to provide insights into the environment needed for advancing a digitally enabled circular plastic economy in Africa. It explores important technical and social paradigms for the transition. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, drawing on thematic analysis on qualitative data from an inter-sectoral engagement with 69 circular economy stakeholders across the continent. Findings The results shows that, while substantial progress has been made with regard to the development and deployment of niche innovations in Africa, the overall progress of circular plastic economy is slowed due to relatively minimal changes at the regime levels as well as pressures from the exogenous landscape. The study highlights that regime changes are crucial for disrupting the entrenched linear plastic economy in developing countries, which is supported by significant sunk investment and corporate state capture. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this study is with the sample as it uses data collected from five countries. Therefore, while it offers a panoramic view of multi-level synergy of actors and sectors across African countries, it is limited in its scope and ability to illuminate country-specific nuances and peculiarities. Practical implications The study underlines the importance of policy innovations and regulatory changes in order for technologies to have a meaningful contribution to the transition to a circular plastic economy. Originality/value The study makes an important theoretical contribution by using empirical evidence from various African regions to articulate the critical importance of the regime dimension in accelerating the circular economy transition in general, and the circular plastic economy in particular, in Africa.Item Metadata only Towards maximum cost-effectiveness: multi-objective design optimisation of insulating glass flat-plate collectors(Elsevier, 2024-10-11) Summ, Thorsten; Oyinlola, M. A.; Khattak, Sanober; Ehrenwirth, Mathias; Trinkl, Christoph; Zörner, WilfriedA significant challenge in the advancement of solar thermal heating systems lies in the unexplored techno-economic potential of insulating glass flat-plate collectors. These collectors are constructed in accordance with the specifications of standard insulating glass units and have emerged over the past decade as a promising design concept for enhancing the cost-effectiveness of solar thermal systems. However, substantial findings regarding the techno-economic viability of their production are still pending. The aim of this paper is to optimise insulating glass collector designs for solar district heating applications by identifying key design parameters that maximise cost-effectiveness. This study employed a five-stage methodology. It included thermo-hydraulic collector modelling using MATLAB/Simscape and the CARNOT Toolbox. The model was validated against experimental performance tests. A Latin hypercube computational design with 250,000 samples was set up to train supervised machine learning metamodels and perform a multi-objective optimisation using an elitist genetic algorithm. The study identified the argon concentration, collector length, and width as critical parameters influencing efficiency. Larger, thinner collectors demonstrated superior performance due to reduced convective losses and increased aperture-to-surface ratios. The optimisation revealed that the insulating glass collectors could achieve a 7.7 percentage point increase in efficiency, a 19.4 % reduction in material cost, and a 14.5 % decrease in weight compared to market-available flat-plate collectors. However, the direct economic comparison was not considered strong in evidence due to a lack of economic data from technology providers. The most cost-effective designs featured an argon concentration of 99 %, sealing thickness of 31.2 mm, and a glazing thickness of 4.1 mm, and 4.5 mm, while collector length and width varied more significantly. The research findings indicate the techno-economic potential of insulating glass collectors, demonstrating their ability to outperform conventional flat-plate collectors in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Future studies should focus on producing and testing larger modules and incorporating production costs to fully realise their potential for solar district heating applications. This study provides valuable guidelines for IGU designers and producers aiming to develop cost-effective and efficient solar thermal collectors for district heating systems.Item Metadata only Vulnerability of Coastal Infrastructure and Communities to Extreme Storms and Rising Sea Levels: An Improved Model for Grenada and Its Dependencies(MDPI, 2023-01-15) Tyllianakis, Emmanouil; Posen, Paulette E.; Jones, Cherry Harper; Andre Joseph-Witzig; St. Louis, AriaCoastal areas of Grenada in the south-eastern Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The effects of increasingly powerful hurricanes, sea-level rise, and reef degradation are often compounded by local anthropogenic activities. Many communities reside in low-lying areas, with development and infrastructure concentrated along the coast. Wave/storm surge models based on historic hurricanes Ivan and Lenny, and a hurricane with a predicted 100-year return period, were used to assess coastal inundation under different storm and sea-level rise scenarios. Coupled Tomawac and Telemac models were used in conjunction with high-resolution LiDAR data to provide a full vulnerability assessment across all coastal zones. Results were combined with census data at the Enumeration District level to assess impacts on the built environment. Qualitative and quantitative estimates were derived for the impact on natural features, land use, and infrastructure supporting critical economic activity in Grenada’s coastal zones. Estimation of both spatial extent and inundation depth improved the estimation of likely coastal impacts and associated costs at the national level. A general increase in extent and severity of inundation was predicted with projected future sea-level rise, with the potential for disruption to major coastal infrastructure evident in all scenarios, risking serious social and economic consequences for local communities. Coastal communities using poorer-quality building materials were most severely affected. This integrated method of assessment can guide disaster planning and decision-making to reduce risk and aid resilience in hurricane-prone regions.