IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i16p7156-d1460323.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Enhancing Decision Making and Decarbonation in Environmental Management: A Review on the Role of Digital Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Abdel-Mohsen O. Mohamed

    (Uberbinder Limited, Oxford OX4 4GP, UK
    EX Scientific Consultants, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 762428, United Arab Emirates)

  • Dina Mohamed

    (Educational Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK)

  • Adham Fayad

    (Business Management, De Montfort University, Dubai Campus, Dubai P.O. Box 294345, United Arab Emirates)

  • Moza T. Al Nahyan

    (College of Business, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

As global concerns about climate change intensify, the need for effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions, has never been more urgent. This review paper explores the crucial role of digital technologies (i.e., data automation (DA) and decision support systems (DSSs)) in enhancing decision making and achieving a ZERONET initiative (decarbonation efforts) within the realms of solid waste management (SWM), wastewater treatment (WWT), and contaminated soil remediation (CSR). Specifically, the paper provides (a) an overview of the carbon footprint (CFP) in relation to environmental management (EM) and the role of DA and DSS in decarbonization; (b) case studies in areas of SWM, WWT, and CSR in relation to the use of (i) digital technology; ((ii) life cycle assessment (LCA)-based DSS; and (iii) multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)-based DSS; and (c) optimal contractual delivery method-based DSS case studies in EM practices. This review concludes that the adoption of DA and DSSs in SWM, WWT, and CSR holds significant potential for enhancing decision making and decarbonizing EM processes. By optimizing operations, enhancing resource efficiency, and integrating renewable energy sources, smart EM technologies can contribute to a reduction in GHG emissions and the promotion of sustainable EM practices. As the demand for more effective and eco-friendly solutions grows, the role of DA and DSSs will become increasingly pivotal in achieving global decarbonization goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdel-Mohsen O. Mohamed & Dina Mohamed & Adham Fayad & Moza T. Al Nahyan, 2024. "Enhancing Decision Making and Decarbonation in Environmental Management: A Review on the Role of Digital Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-34, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7156-:d:1460323
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/16/7156/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/16/7156/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bihter Gizem Demircan & Kaan Yetilmezsoy, 2023. "A Hybrid Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS Approach for Implementation of Smart Sustainable Waste Management Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-23, April.
    2. Chen, Huazhou & Chen, An & Xu, Lili & Xie, Hai & Qiao, Hanli & Lin, Qinyong & Cai, Ken, 2020. "A deep learning CNN architecture applied in smart near-infrared analysis of water pollution for agricultural irrigation resources," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    3. Hauck, Mara & Maalcke-Luesken, Francisca A. & Jetten, Mike S.M. & Huijbregts, Mark A.J., 2016. "Removing nitrogen from wastewater with side stream anammox: What are the trade-offs between environmental impacts?," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 212-219.
    4. Guo, Sen & Zhao, Huiru, 2015. "Optimal site selection of electric vehicle charging station by using fuzzy TOPSIS based on sustainability perspective," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 390-402.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Abdel-Mohsen O. Mohamed & Dina Mohamed & Adham Fayad & Moza T. Al Nahyan, 2025. "Environmental Management and Decarbonization Nexus: A Pathway to the Energy Sector’s Sustainable Futures," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-39, January.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Nock, Destenie & Baker, Erin, 2019. "Holistic multi-criteria decision analysis evaluation of sustainable electric generation portfolios: New England case study," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C), pages 655-673.
    2. Danijela Tuljak-Suban & Patricija Bajec, 2022. "A Hybrid DEA Approach for the Upgrade of an Existing Bike-Sharing System with Electric Bikes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Yang, Jun & Guo, Fang & Zhang, Min, 2017. "Optimal planning of swapping/charging station network with customer satisfaction," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 174-197.
    4. Csiszár, Csaba & Csonka, Bálint & Földes, Dávid & Wirth, Ervin & Lovas, Tamás, 2020. "Location optimisation method for fast-charging stations along national roads," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    5. Jack Mathebula & Nhlanhla Mbuli, 2025. "Application of TOPSIS for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in Power Systems: A Systematic Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-28, July.
    6. Woo, Hyeon & Son, Yongju & Cho, Jintae & Kim, Sung-Yul & Choi, Sungyun, 2023. "Optimal expansion planning of electric vehicle fast charging stations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    7. Oluwasola O. Ademulegun & Paul MacArtain & Bukola Oni & Neil J. Hewitt, 2022. "Multi-Stage Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Siting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations within and across Border Regions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-28, December.
    8. Zhou, Guangyou & Zhu, Zhiwei & Luo, Sumei, 2022. "Location optimization of electric vehicle charging stations: Based on cost model and genetic algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    9. Hamza El Hafdaoui & Hamza El Alaoui & Salma Mahidat & Zakaria El Harmouzi & Ahmed Khallaayoun, 2023. "Impact of Hot Arid Climate on Optimal Placement of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-19, January.
    10. Arzu Muyesseroglu & Irem Duzdar Argun & Gulgun Kayakutlu, 2023. "Electric vehicle charge station layout planning: A case study in Istanbul Technical University campus," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 44(3), pages 1767-1778, April.
    11. Angelo Earvin Sy Choi & Benny Marie B. Ensano & Jurng-Jae Yee, 2021. "Fuzzy Optimization for the Remediation of Ammonia: A Case Study Based on Electrochemical Oxidation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-17, March.
    12. Muhammed Cavus & Huseyin Ayan & Mahmut Sari & Osman Akbulut & Dilum Dissanayake & Margaret Bell, 2025. "Enhancing Smart Grid Reliability Through Data-Driven Optimisation and Cyber-Resilient EV Integration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-24, August.
    13. Ceren Erdin & Halil Emre Akbaş, 2019. "A Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy TOPSIS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the Location Selection of Shopping Malls: A Case Study from Turkey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-22, July.
    14. Xiang, Yue & Liu, Junyong & Li, Ran & Li, Furong & Gu, Chenghong & Tang, Shuoya, 2016. "Economic planning of electric vehicle charging stations considering traffic constraints and load profile templates," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 647-659.
    15. Adrian Ostermann & Yann Fabel & Kim Ouan & Hyein Koo, 2022. "Forecasting Charging Point Occupancy Using Supervised Learning Algorithms," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-23, May.
    16. Hossein Moayedi & Amir Mosavi, 2021. "Double-Target Based Neural Networks in Predicting Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-25, March.
    17. Hossein Moayedi & Amir Mosavi, 2021. "An Innovative Metaheuristic Strategy for Solar Energy Management through a Neural Networks Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    18. Ömer Kaya & Kadir Diler Alemdar & Tiziana Campisi & Ahmet Tortum & Merve Kayaci Çodur, 2021. "The Development of Decarbonisation Strategies: A Three-Step Methodology for the Suitable Analysis of Current EVCS Locations Applied to Istanbul, Turkey," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-21, May.
    19. Fizza Tahir & Rizwan Rasheed & Mumtaz Fatima & Fizza Batool & Abdul-Sattar Nizami, 2025. "Sustainability Analysis of Commercial-Scale Biogas Plants in Pakistan vs. Germany: A Novel Analytic Hierarchy Process—SMARTER Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-21, March.
    20. Ahlem Jellali & Wafik Hachicha & Awad M. Aljuaid, 2021. "Sustainable Configuration of the Tunisian Olive Oil Supply Chain Using a Fuzzy TOPSIS-Based Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-19, January.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7156-:d:1460323. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.