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The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not properly addressed.

The study, based on a literature review and ten (10) case studies, explored five investigative approaches for evaluating building fabric: thermal imaging, in situ U-value testing, airtightness testing, energy assessment and condensation risk analysis. Cross-case analysis was used to evaluate both case studies using each approach. These methodologies were pivotal in assessing buildings’ existing condition and energy consumption and contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

Findings reveal that incorporating the earlier approaches into the building fabric showed great benefits. Significant temperature regulation issues were identified, energy consumption decreased by 15% after improvements, poor insulation and artistry quality affected the U-values of buildings. Implementing retrofits such as solar panels, air vents, insulation, heat recovery and air-sourced heat pumps significantly improved thermal performance while reducing energy consumption. Pulse technology proved effective in measuring airtightness, even in extremely airtight houses, and high airflow and moisture management were essential in preserving historic building fabric.

The research stresses the need to understand investigative approaches’ strengths, limitations and synergies for cost-effective energy performance strategies. It emphasizes the urgency of eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) and greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming and meet the 1.5° C threshold.

As national governments and international organizations strive to combat climate change and limit greenhouse gas emissions, the energy transition is at the center of the global agenda. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 of the UN 2030 Agenda calls for affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, but there is ample ambiguity on what is to be considered “sustainable” as opposed to “renewable.” This chapter discusses the role of nuclear power in this context, and more specifically the thorny issue of nuclear waste: unless a sustainable strategy for the disposal of nuclear waste is found, the inclusion of nuclear power as a legitimate recipient of Green Deal and other aid will be contested. The cases of Italy, Germany, and France are discussed, showing how these countries have struggled over decades to solve the “wicked problem” of nuclear waste and have dealt with conflict through different mixes of stakeholder engagement, procrastination, or use of scientific expertise for legitimation.

Through the comparative analysis of the three cases, conclusions are drawn on relevant factors that contribute to the policy capacity needed to tackle complex, integrated, super-wicked problems of sustainability policy: issues of problem definition, multilevel coordination, time management, and the engagement of community and science are described and identified as critical.

This study aims to investigate the extent and trend of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure by UAE listed banks and the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on this disclosure.

Content analysis of banks’ annual reports from 2009 to 2019 was applied to investigate the CSR disclosure level by constructing a disclosure index. Panel data regressions were applied to analyze the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on CSR disclosure.

UAE banks show an improving trend in the CSR disclosures. In addition, the board of directors and ownership structure are significantly and positively associated with the CSR disclosures. The results vary across the banking systems.

This study considers the extent of the CSR disclosure in UAE banks’ annual reports, and future research should consider more industries and communication channels.

This study sheds light on the extent of the CSR disclosure of UAE listed banks and assists UAE policymakers in implementing appropriate corporate governance mechanisms.

The findings provide banks with a better understanding of the benefits of strengthening corporate governance to improve their CSR disclosure.

This study contributes to the literature by constructing a more comprehensive disclosure index and examining the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on CSR disclosure by considering both the conventional and Islamic banking systems.

This study investigates the evolution of skilled personnel in airline operations driven by technological advancements. It aims to elucidate the changing personnel demands necessitated by technological innovations in the ground and flight services.

The impact of technological advancements on aviation services has been broadly outlined. Secondary sources were used to identify the relationship between technology and human resources in aviation and categorize the current situation. However, the main narrative was based on the author’s observations.

The progression of technology in air transportation has led to a reduction in the number of personnel involved and the time spent on human interactions. Technological advancements in aviation have predominantly affected three crucial domains: back offices, ground services, and flight services. A future trend foresees a substantial shift toward self-service in ground services, contributing to streamlined processes with minimal errors.

Airlines must consider candidates' ability to adapt to technological changes during the hiring process to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The current staff should be supported by training programs to facilitate their adaptation to technology.

This study provides a theoretical framework regarding changes in personnel requirements due to technological applications in aviation, the integration of technology into the sector, and the adaptation of current personnel to these technologies.

This perspective resonates with scholars engaged in the realms of aviation and tourism. This study assesses technological progress from both managerial and customer perspectives.

This systematic literature review aims to investigate the application and integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in transportation infrastructure construction projects focusing on sustainability pillars.

The study employs a systematic literature review approach, combining qualitative review and quantitative analysis of 142 academic articles published between 2011 and March 2023.

The findings reveal the dominance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a central tool for sustainability assessment, while other technologies such as blockchain and autonomous robotics have received limited attention. The adoption of I4.0 technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, Augmented Reality (AR), and Big Data, has been prevalent for data-driven analyses, while Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) and 3D printing are mainly being integrated either with BIM or in synergy with Artificial Intelligence (AI). We pinpoint critical challenges including high adoption costs, technical barriers, lack of interoperability, and the absence of standardized sustainability benchmarks.

This research distinguishes itself by not only mapping the current integration of I4.0 technologies but also by advocating for standardization and a synergistic human-technology collaborative approach. It offers tailored strategic pathways for diverse types of transportation infrastructure and different project phases, aiming to significantly enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. The study sets a new agenda for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to meet ambitious future sustainability and efficiency goals, making a compelling case for rethinking how these technologies are applied in the construction sector.