Browsing by Author "Atstāja, Dzintra"
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Item Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals through the Implementation of Circular Economy and Developing Regional Cooperation(2022-06-01) Cudečka-Puriņa, Natālija; Atstāja, Dzintra; Koval, Viktor; Purviņš, Māris; Nesenenko, Pavlo; Tkach, Oleksandr; Juridiskā fakultāte; Tiesību zinātņu katedraCircular economy is a tool based on the inclusion of environmental, social, and governance performance (ESG) in decision-making to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG). In recent years, it has become clear that business-as-usual has nothing to do with sustainability, and alternative business models, primarily on technological grounds, must be implemented to mitigate the damage caused by significant and unpredictable effects of climate change. The current situation requires unprecedented and urgent changes to policies and business development models. The current research aimed to target on industrial symbiosis as one of the business models of the circular economy. It evaluated the benefits of symbiosis and the fostering of cooperation between industries and, consequently, has a major impact on resource efficiency ratios. The research is based on quantitative and qualitative research methods, including a literature review, assessment, and application of the triangulation method. As a result of this research, the authors realized a matrix for the development of regional or cross-country industrial symbiosis that can be used by policymakers to foster the development of symbiotic interconnections on a wide scale. The authors also recommend the development of the Baltic University Program (BUP) network center of excellence and methodological justification for industries to engage in industrial symbiosis (IS).Item ALIGNMENT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY BUSINESS MODELS FOR FRAMING NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT(2022) Atstāja, Dzintra; Cudečka-Puriņa, Natlija; Hrinchenko, Raisa; Koval, Viktor; Grasis, Jānis; Vesere, Rudīte; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityCircular economy offers opportunities to boost jobs and tackle climate change. The article reflects aspects of the impact on the environment through sectoral policies to support the circular economy because current business as usual model, based on the linear economy principle leads to a staggering inefficiency in nature resources are managed, with increased pollution, loss of ecosystems and substantial losses of value with each product disposed. This requires a change not only in consumer behaviour but even more on the resource extraction and material production side. The purpose of the research paper is to develop a decision-making matrix providing a step-by-step approach for the policymakersItem Attitudes Towards Sustainable Entrepreneurship among Students : A Pilot Study in Latvia and Lithuania(2023-06-01) Titko, Jelena; Tambovceva, Tatjana; Atstāja, Dzintra; Lapinskaitė, Indrė; Solesvik, Marina Z.; Svirina, Anna; Uzule, KristineSustainable economic development is driven by sustainable entrepreneurial activities, generated by the personal attitudes of entrepreneurs. The present and future of sustainable entrepreneurship are shaped by the youth, including students, which is why it is important to understand their attitudes towards this type of entrepreneurship. Therefore, the key goal of the research is to evaluate the attitudes and behaviours of the youth towards sustainability issues and sustainable entrepreneurship. The current article reflects the results of the second research stage and aims at evaluating attitudes towards sustainable entrepreneurship among Latvian and Lithuanian students. The results reveal that gender/age affect personal environmental attitudes, however gender/age has no effect on personal willingness to start a sustainable business. The analysis results of the personal attitudes to sustainable entrepreneurship differ by age and gender. Gender has no effect and age strongly affects personal attitudes to sustainable development.Item Circular Value Chain Management—Barriers and Opportunities(SpringerOpen, 2025) Diana, Bajare; Zsembinszki, Gabriel; Rizaov, Denis; Tambovceva, Tatjana; Cudečka-Purina, Natlija; Atstāja, Dzintra; Kaewunruen, Sakdirat; Kripa, Dorina; Nano, Xhesila; Marangos, Orestes; Yiatros, Stylianos; Tornaghi, Marco Lamperti; Nisiforou,, Olympia; Tleuken, Aidana; Bragança, Bragança; Salles, Adriana; Rand Askar, Rand Askar; Turkyilmaz, Ali; Laudal, Thomas; Giarma, Christina; Dina Azhgaliyeva , Dina Azhgaliyeva; Karaca , Ferhat; Cavdar, Ayfer Donmez; L. Bragança et al.; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityThis section is devoted to analyzing the construction industry as one of the significant industries within the economy of any country with a high potential for circularity. According to Huovila and Westerholm [1], the buildings and construction sector is an essential contributor to environmental impacts and wealth creation in society, with social consequences. Globally, construction uses 36% of the energy, produces 39% of emissions, up to 40% of waste, and uses 50% of all the extracted materials. This undoubtedly emphasizes the significance of the industry and the necessity to transform it from a linear business model development towards a circular one to maintain the higher added value of the resources already currently in the economic cycle and significantly impact the consumption of primary resources. This section will provide an overview of different obstacles in the industry, followed by gaps in awareness and knowledge of the stakeholders and various case studies carried out during the research to highlight the potential solutions for shifting the mindsets and business models operating within the construction sector. The section also provides high-quality examples of successful study courses that can be integrated into different study programs to prepare highly-professional specialists in the construction industry or provide general knowledge on the industry and it’s potential for circularity for any other stakeholders.Item A Comprehensive Review on Construction and Demolition Waste Management Practices and Assessment of This Waste Flow for Future Valorization via Energy Recovery and Industrial Symbiosis(2024-10) Cudecka-Purina, Natalija; Kuzmina, Jekaterina; Butkevics, Janis; Olena, Arsirii; Ivanov, Oleksii; Atstāja, Dzintra; Faculty of Social SciencesConstruction and demolition waste (CDW) is one of the largest contributors to global waste streams, simultaneously posing significant environmental and resource management challenges. The management of CDW, particularly its potential for energy recovery and industrial symbiosis, has garnered increasing attention as part of a circular economy approach. This comprehensive review explores global practices in CDW management, analysing theoretical developments, technological advancements, and emerging resource recovery and reuse trends. Background: CDW accounts for more than a third of all waste generated in the EU. A wide variety of materials, such as concrete, bricks, wood, glass, metals, and plastics, make it a very un-homogenous waste stream with high potential for material recovery through different approaches. Methods: This review draws on an extensive analysis of scientific literature, case studies, and industry reports to assess current practices in the CDW stream and assessment of the feasibility of energy recovery, industrial symbiosis, and object reconstruction. Results: The originality of the current research is based on a Latvian case study on CDW management that provides valuable insights into household-level practices and progress towards relevant UN SDGs. Conclusions: Various CDW streams have an undeniable potential for valorization through various approaches. Currently, the most common approach is recovery and recycling, although CDW has the potential to broaden its application within the circular economy framework. For instance, industrial symbiosis is a solution that can not only boost the valorization of CDW but also significantly increase material circularity.Item Construction Waste Management for Improving Resource Efficiency in The Reconstruction of War-Destroyed Objects(2022-06-30) Atstāja, Dzintra; Koval, Viktor; Purviņš, Māris; Butkevičs, Jānis; Mikhno, InesaIntroduction. Social and hostility conflicts in Ukraine have caused global changes and deterioration of the ecological and economic situation in numerous countries, resulting in higher risks to the population and giving the impetus to create a new innovative, cultural, and technological society. Greening principles, which have become popular in developed countries, are impossible to implement without the coordinated cooperation of states and their genesis in accordance with joint programs and development vectors. As a result, an increasing number of foundations and grants have recently been established to support eco-friendly products and solutions, assist in their adoption, and develop the organizational structure of an efficient system based on green economy principles, thereby improving global standards and regulations. Aim and tasks. The aim of the study is to develop a methodology for planning the modernization of constructed infrastructure, better resource efficiency, and reduce waste in the reconstruction of war-destroyed objects. Results. The best option for post-war waste disposal is the construction of mobile waste recycling complexes based on fractional waste recycling and its secondary use in further reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, which after final restoration will be moved to safe areas around large cities and used as stationary waste recycling plants. To improve the environmental situation, one suggests building landscaped parks that will operate due to state-of-the-art technologies (obtaining natural energy, etc.) and creating a system of harmonious combination of anthropogenic infrastructure and natural areas, businesses, and public accessibility. Conclusions. The key goal of the reconstruction of Ukrainian territories is to establish an innovative, sustainable, and safe system of social existence by increasing the efficiency of actions and methods based on the principles of rational environmental management and increasing responsibility. When calculating the cost of the restoration of Ukrainian territories, one should take into account additional expenses caused by hostilities, which will be further considered as a stress factor having a cumulative negative impact and leading to disastrous consequences that can be estimated in monetary equivalent as the sum of the price of restoration of components of the ecological, economic, and social system under the effect of a set of factors resulting in negative changes and damages.Item DEPOZĪTA SISTĒMAS ANALĪZE UN EKONOMISKAIS NOVĒRTĒJUMS(Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2019) Atstāja, Dzintra; Lukševica, Līva; Cudečka-Puriņa, Natalija; Vesere, Rudīte; Susniene, Rozita; Lubkina, Velta; Zvaigzne, Anda; Kotāne, IntaThe aim of this research is to analyse the deposit refund system and to perform economic evaluation of deposit refund system implementation in Latvia. To achieve this, theauthors will use following methods: gathering and further analysis of statistical data, comparative analysis and cost benefit analysis. Main conclusions of the research reveal that despite being a costly solution, deposit refund system brings certain benefits and the payback period can be approximately tenyears. Moreover, with the increase of the deposit fee the overall financial ratios of the system can be significantly improved.Item Does Car Sharing Contribute to Urban Sustainability from User-Motivation Perspectives?(2021-10-01) Mavlutova, Inese; Kuzmina, Jekaterina; Uvarova, Inga; Atstāja, Dzintra; Lesinskis, Kristaps; Mikelsone, Elina; Brizga, JanisMobility, its current state and development perspectives in the future creates challenges with respect to sustainability, the first of which is the uncontrolled increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the last few decades, while road transport is one of the “sinners” creating long-term negative impact. The second is the dominance of car travel and car usage in the passenger transportation segment before the latest COVID-19 pandemic accelerated environmental problems. Although recent trends show new, greener patterns in consumption, there is still a relatively low share of consumers acknowledging the importance of sustainable and green preferences. This research study aims to investigate car sharing from users’ perspectives and to determine the most significant factors influencing their choice of sharing services to ensure upscaling of car sharing and, thus, contribute to urban sustainability. This research study contributes to the overall scientific discussion on car sharing and its role within urban sustainability, particularly with the following: (1) deeper investigation of car sharing and its users motivation perspectives in Latvia; (2) analyses of the most significant motivational factors for car-sharing users and aspects of sustainability; and (3) the insight into the generational differences triggering a number of car-sharing users. The existing and potential users of car sharing were surveyed in order to determine the motivational factors for its usage and attitudes towards it. Socio-demographic variables in statistical analysis were used to identify economic and environmental factors that meaningfully influence the choice of car-sharing services. The results of this study can support further development in new car-sharing business models and the value proposition for consumers in Latvia, as well as preparing policy recommendations on the promotion of sustainable transport. These findings are also useful to academics for the investigation of recent trends in car sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic.Item Economic justification for the implementation of a circular economy(2020) Atstāja, Dzintra; Spāde, ElīnaIntroduction. This case study examines the economic justification for the implementation of a circular economy. The case study is structured in 2 parts. The first part describes the principles of circular economy and business models, covering the theoretical basis of this study. The theoretical basis includes a description of the principles of circular economy and the possible implementation of these principles in business operations. The second part evaluates the impact of the introduction of circular economy principles and business model on the company's financial performance and company value. The methods used are economic evaluation and investment decision methods and financial analysis, modeling and forecasting. The limitations are the research based on one company and the fact that the financial statement for 2019 was not submitted at the time of writing; however the results obtained are applicable to other companies and industries. The principles of circular economics and business models described in this case study can serve as a example for companies considering implementing the principles of circular economy in business operations. Aim and tasks. The purpose of the study is to determine what the principles of circular economy are, how to implement them in business and how their implementation affects business results and company value. Following tasks have been defined in order to achieve the aim: describe the principles of circular economy, business and financing models; to analyze the business models of the circular economy in Latvia and in the world and to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the principles of circular economy and business model on the company's financial indicators and the company's value. Results. Evaluating the investments made by the company AS “Cēsu Alus” and the planned investment projects related to the modernization of production equipment and improvement of efficiency, it can be concluded that the implementation of circular economy investment projects will be profitable. The company has opportunities to continue the investment project program; moreover, based on the experience of similar companies studied, AS “Cēsu Alus” can create additional revenue streams for the company when adopting circular economy principles. Conclusions. Investing the company's funds in investment projects designed to improve the company's efficiency, ensuring resource savings and efficient use, which in turn leads to financial savings, the company's value increases significantly, thus concluding that circular economy investment projects that save resources and improve the efficiency of the company will make the greatest contribution to increasing the value of the company.Item FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS IN TYRE RECYCLING INDUSTRY IN LATVIA(2020) Uvarova, Inga; Atstāja, Dzintra; Korpa, Viola; Erdmanis, MiksThe end-of-life (EOL) tyre recycling industry in Latvia is encountering economic and sustainability challenges, which require solutions by various stakeholders. Improvement of tyre waste management and recycling is important within the context of sustainability and the new streamlining of circular business models. Its importance is also recognized at the European Union level in relation to the further strategic goals and the European Green Deal. In addition, the tyre recycling industry in Latvia demonstrates a relatively unfavourable financial situation, which is one of the most significant factors hindering the introduction of new circular business models. The aim of this research is to clarify the challenges related to the financial viability of tyre recycling companies adopting the new circular business models. The main research methods are literature review, semistructured in-depth interviews, case studies and financial analyses. There are large stocks of EOL tyres and on average just 50 % of them are recycled. The tyre waste management companies are not motivated to supply EOL tyres to recycling companies. On the other hand, due to various reasons, most of the tyre recycling companies are not working with their maximum production capacity. The research results reveal that the tyre recycling companies mostly run traditional and inefficient business models that require large operating costs and ensure comparatively low profitability. In order to enable more efficient and environmentally friendly tyre recycling process, the companies should implement new, investment intensive technologies. Yet, they face critical issues of liquidity and financial returns. Major conclusions are related to the necessity to develop several business models interlinked within one portfolio thus ensuring the manufacturing of various products with higher added value and quality. This may maximise the profits and improve the financial viability of tyre recycling business modelsItem Green Financial Instruments of Cleaner Production Technologies(2022-09) Koval, Viktor; Laktionova, Olga; Atstāja, Dzintra; Grasis, Janis; Lomachynska, Iryna; Shchur, Roman; Juridiskā fakultāte; Tiesību zinātņu katedraDespite the rather long period of solving environmental issues and research, the problems of attracting green financial instruments as sources of financing and stimulating the development and implementation of clean technologies have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the study is to: conduct a theoretical analysis of the available data; identify trends and study green financial instruments and propose their classification; formulate hypotheses for the development of green financial instruments; and apply empirical methods of analysis to identify the dynamics of the development of environmental taxation in the EU budget. A theoretical analysis of available sources identified existing green financial instruments, which were classified as: (a) aimed at improving existing technologies for the production of goods and services through the development of greening and eco-modernization projects that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; (b) aimed at the development and implementation of innovative projects that change the technology for the production of goods and services, completely eliminating the emission of greenhouse gases. The hypotheses put forward for the study of the management of green financial instruments through the use of financial management mechanisms are formulated through theoretical analysis based on the environmental taxation of production technologies.Item Impact of Climate Change on International Tourism Evidence from Baltic Sea Countries(2024-06) Atstāja, Dzintra; Cakrani, Edmira; Faculty of Social SciencesThe societal consequences of climate change are still hard to measure, mostly because it is difficult to connect the physical effects of climate change to economic processes and because future climate change and economic estimates are unpredictable. The tourism industry is one of the areas where evaluating the effects of climate change has proven to be especially challenging. The primary influencing environmental elements in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea are expected to alter as a result of climate change. This study investigates the impact of climate change on the growth of tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, focusing on international tourism. To analyze the possible short-run and long-run impact of climate change on international tourism, a dynamic panel model is used, with data for the period 2005–2022. International tourism is measured through the inbound travel expenditure and the number of overnight visitors. The effect of climate change is captured through the variables of temperature and precipitation, with real GDP and government effectiveness as control variables. Results show a significant negative impact of climate change variables on international tourism in the Baltic Sea countries. There are relatively few studies on the impact of climate change on the tourism industry in the Baltic region; this article complements the existing literature on this very important issue.Item Impact of COVID-19 on a Sustainable Work Environment in the Context of Decent Work(University of Latvia Press, 2022) Atstāja, Dzintra; Osipova, Sanita; Dambe, GundegaThe aim of the study is to analyse decent work as a value stemming from human dignity. The key factors include a safe and healthy work environment and working conditions, social protection, compliance with employment law, stability of a workplace, opportunities for development, training and self-fulfilment, mutual respect, contacts with colleagues, etc. The impact of the pandemic has changed employees’ views on “perfect job”. Remote work is only one of the new forms of employment created by digitalization, which will increasingly enter and strengthen the labour market. However, not all employers are equally prepared for change. The study will illustrate how the concept of decent work has changed in the context of the pandemic, so that the legislator and employers can reorganize themselves, creating appropriate work environment for employees and promoting the economic sustainability of the country.Item IZAICINĀJUMI UZ VĒRTĪBĀM BALSTĪTA KOMPETENČU MODEĻA IZVEIDĒ NEATLIEKAMĀS MEDICĪNAS PERSONĀLAM(Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2019) Dambe, Gundega; Atstāja, Dzintra; Lubkina, Velta; Kaupuzs, Aivars; Strode, AinaThe purpose of this paper is to clarify and analyse the understanding of the values for Ambulance personnel, to compare and integrate it with the system of competencies used in the performance assessment and evaluation of professional competence. The results of State Emergency Medical Service ambulance personnel’s survey in the 2018 are analysed in the research. Theresults obtained Ambulance personnel’sdifferent understanding of the importance of organization's values and its impact in management, staff attitude and work performance.The results of the survey have showed that Ambulance personnel has contradictive understanding of system of values. Their personal values are respect, compassion, care, ethics, honesty, trust, however for their professional work they recognise teamwork, professionalism, safety, etc. as very important values.Item The Potential of Wood Construction Waste Circularity(2024-11) Kiesnere, Gunita; Atstāja, Dzintra; Cudecka-Purina, Natalija; Susniene, Rozita; Faculty of Social SciencesWood construction waste circularity presents enormous potential to significantly de-crease total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU). Latvia could become a frontrunner due to its historic relationship with forestry, wood construction practises and unused potential of the innovative application of wood. This research examines what the potential of “circular wood” in Latvia is, how ready the Latvian wood house construction sector is to engage in a circular economy and wood waste circularity and whether the legal framework is ready to support wood waste management in the country. This study presents a combined approach for systematic wood construction product circularity assessment that includes a review of existing EU and Latvian frameworks for construction and demolition waste (CDW) management and wood construction, a general analysis of wood waste recycling systems and technologies, a quantitative data analysis of construction waste management in Latvia and qualitative data analysis of the Latvian wood house construction sector, and interviews with a focus group of Latvian wood industry representatives. The Latvian scope has allowed us to clarify the pattern methodology and impact points to be replicated, tested and measured further on a broader scale, in other countries, or throughout the whole EU. The main findings reveal a potential life cycle assessment (LCA) verifying the circularity of wood and limitations of wood construction waste circularity in Latvia in terms of wood house construction industry readiness and a legal framework as well as overall social prejudices for circular construction. Findings indicate an overall awareness and level of willingness to participate and engage in the circular construction models among Latvians; however, proactiveness and support (legal and financial) is expected from the government and municipalities. The recommendations point towards improvements in wood waste data management, the wood construction sector and the overall impact on sustainable development goals.Item Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development : Opportunities and Current Landscape(2025-01) Atstāja, Dzintra; Faculty of Social SciencesEnergy is often described as the lifeblood of a nation’s economy, and the world energy trilemma calls for collaboration and innovative solutions at the national level. This is where Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a crucial role, helping integrate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the challenges posed by the energy trilemma. Europe’s strong commitment to transitioning to sustainable energy is evident in its response to geopolitical changes and climate targets. Notably, the Baltic States have taken decisive action in response to the war in Ukraine, choosing to completely halt electricity imports from Russia and Belarus. This shift was supported by increased energy imports via interconnectors from Finland, Sweden, and Poland, with electricity imports rising to 13,053 GWh—an increase of 2.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Latvia, which holds the highest green energy potential in the Baltic Sea region, has nevertheless lagged behind its Baltic counterparts in terms of implementation. In 2021, Latvia ranked third among European Union (EU) countries for renewable energy share in final energy consumption, with 42.1%, significantly higher than the EU average of 21.8%. However, further progress is needed to meet Latvia’s 2030 target of 14% renewable energy use in transport. The Baltic States aim to produce 98–100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2050. The Baltic States should be regarded as a unified energy system, with a coordinated strategy for achieving sustainable energy development through collaboration and joint planning. This analysis highlights the complexities of managing energy markets amidst global and regional challenges, emphasizing the importance of well-designed public interventions to secure long-term benefits. The study concludes with a call for enhanced interagency cooperation to reform ESD and create a new interdisciplinary sector dedicated to “Sustainable Development”.Item Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Oil and Gas Industry in Developing Countries as a Part of the Quadruple Helix Concept : A Systematic Literature Review(2024-03) Atstāja, Dzintra; Mukem, Kevin WilclifSustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has become a hot topic on which eminent researchers are working on a daily basis. A lack of clarity in the fundamental differences between SSCM and green supply chain management (GSCM) is being observed in this field of research. However, it is regrettable to note that there is a huge deficit of research in the oil and gas (OG) industry, mainly in developing countries (DCs), where this sector of activity is the most lucrative and polluting. The purpose of this research is to present the practices of SSCM in the framework of the quadruple helix approach in the oil and gas industry in specific geographical areas of developing countries by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of papers published from 2012 to 2024 focused on both the OG industry and DCs. As part of this study’s findings, the authors highlight the distinction between SSCM and GSCM by building a conceptual framework that applies the triple bottom line of SSCM to the OG industry and demonstrates that GSCM, which is more related to environmental issues, is a part of SSCM. Therefore, in order to be more efficient and to have a great impact on their performances, OG companies in DCs should apply SSCM practices, which are close to circular business rather than GSCM practices, especially because their implementation can be influenced by certain barriers and pressures that involve the use of the QHC.