CHEMICAL AND MATERIAL STRATEGIES FOR ENERGY-POSITIVE BUILDINGS: A SUSTAINABILITY-ORIENTED REVIEW

The pursuit of a promising way to reduce the impact of energy-positive buildings on the built environment is defined as reduced energy consumption. On the other hand, sustainability cannot be based solely on operational energy performance, as it is significantly influenced by material-related factors. This study is a comprehensive review of the chemical and material foundations of energy-positive buildings and a compilation of the long-term performance of material properties and degradation mechanisms. Data synthesis and literature selection were carried out using the PRISMA method. In light of the information obtained, parameters related to energy-intensive production, material stability, and life cycle impacts were addressed by considering key material groups, including cement-based systems, polymers, and bio-based materials. The findings show that degradation processes and limited circularity remain critical challenges. Therefore, achieving sustainable energy-positive buildings requires an integrated approach that simultaneously considers material chemistry, energy system performance, and life cycle assessment.

Gülşah ÇELIK GÜL - Assoc. Prof. Dr., Savaştepe Vocational School, Balikesir University, Renewable Energy Research and Application Center, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Türkiye gulsahcelik@balikesir.edu.tr

Q01, Q42, Q56, Q55

RETHINKING OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION: PATHS TO SUSTAINABILITY

Olive groves and olive oil production have been part of rural landscapes in Portugal since ancient times. While their social and cultural relevance are rooted in the past, their economic role stands out today. However, the intensification of production has been putting at risk the balance between territory, landscape and production. The challenge is to revitalise rural areas without pressure on natural resources, ecosystems and their inevitable relation to local communities, meaning to improve agricultural practices and quality of life. Sustainability programs have emerged to address these concerns. This article reflects on some impacts of the intensification of olive groves and shares insights from the Olive Oil of Alentejo Sustainability Program (OASP), focusing on Human Communities, Landscape Management, and Biodiversity. It presents suggestions for improvements in these areas and concludes that initiatives like OASP are important complements to public policy instruments. Also highlights the importance of involving public and private actors, researchers, and communities to develop innovative and responsible solutions that values and respects landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.

Isabel JOAQUINA RAMOS - Assistant Professor, Department of Economics. CEFAGE-U.É.-Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics. University of Évora. Portugal. E-mail: mcpr@uevora.pt

Conceição REGO - Assistant Professor, Department of Economics. CEFAGE-U.É.-Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics. University of Évora. Portugal. E-mail: mcpr@uevora.pt

Maria da Conceição FREIRE - Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape, Environment and Planning. Researcher at CHAIA-Centre for Art History and Artistic Research. University of Évora. Portugal. E-mail: mcmf@uevora.pt

Lília FIDALGO - Head of the Territorial Planning and Strategy Division, Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission. Évora. Portugal E-mail: lilia.fidalgo@ccdr-a.gov.pt

Q01, Q15, R11, R52

SOCIAL PROTECTION IN GREECE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

Sustainable development leaving no one behind and social protection in line with its institutional framework are crucial for the well-being of local communities. The literature shows, however, that a general and growing recognition of sustainable development alone does not provide equal opportunities to different segments of society. Our research found that in Greece regions and local communities clearly have an important role to play in the development of new social protection policies for sustainable and inclusive growth. The key challenges for defining inclusive and sustainable development for social protection policies in Greece are highlighted. Reforms are proposed for inclusive and sustainable development policies that are likely to contribute to regional and local social protection. The conclusions identify key reform principles that will promote a holistic social protection policy in the context of local sustainable development leaving no one behind.

Anastasios SEPETIS - Professor Assistant, Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece. tsepet@uniwa.gr

Algis KRUPAVIÄŒIUS - Professor, Faculty of Public Governance, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania. algis.krupavicius@mruni.eu, (Corresponding Author)

Christos Ap. LADIAS - Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal ladias@rsijournal.eu

R10, Q01, Q50, G10, G30, H10, H30, H70