Abstract
The wine production, included in the primary sector is a great cultural and economic deal, both nationally and internationally matters. However, it is highly dependent on natural resources, and traditionally involves high energy and water consumption. Given the global climate change scenario and the need for efficient resource management, it is necessary to implement a sustainable plan for the wine sector to realize sustainable practices. Data from the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), states that global wine production exceeded 260 million hectoliters, in 2022. These has resulted in significant water and energy consumption, with around 500-1200 m(3) of water used per hectare for irrigation and 1.2 gigajoules per hectoliter of wine produced, concluding that more than 80% of total water consumption is associated with irrigation, while more than 90% of energy consumption, is associated with winery processes. In this context, the scarcity of water or the need to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 makes it essential to adopt energy and water efficiency measures that allow for the sustainable management of resources without endangering the sector's viability. With this in mind, a case study applied to a Portuguese wine industry is presented, including data analysis from water and energy consumption. Also, efficiency metrics will be analyzed, proposing management and decision-support tools based on monitoring and sensor-based techniques. In fact, one example of these efficiency measures deals with the adoption of systems that provide real-time data on consumption patterns and resource availability in order to improve sustainability of the global process production.

Abstract
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Abstract
This paper presents a full-year hourly district emobility model and its integration into a Positive Energy District simulation and assessment model including building operation, use and embodied energy and emissions. The aim of this work is to model the operation and energy flexibility potential of an EV fleet in a district through mono- and bi-directional charging and enable its assessment in terms of self-utilization of local and volatile regional RES surpluses. Results of example residential, office, school and supermarket use cases show an increase in self-utilization of local PV of up to 30% due to EV inclusion, even if PV installation size exceeds legal building code requirements by a factor of two to four. Bi-Directional charging can cut annual grid electricity by up to 30% but require an increase in battery full equivalent cycles of 20%. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract
The global transition to a low-carbon energy system requires innovative solutions that integrate renewable energy production with storage and utilization technologies. The growth in energy demand, combined with the intermittency of these sources, highlights the need for advanced management models capable of ensuring system stability and efficiency. This paper presents the development of an optimized energy management system integrating renewable sources, with a focus on green hydrogen production via electrolysis, storage, and use through a fuel cell. The system aims to promote energy autonomy and support the transition to a low-carbon economy by reducing dependence on the conventional electricity grid. The proposed model enables flexible hourly energy flow optimization, considering solar availability, local consumption, hydrogen storage capacity, and grid interactions. Formulated as a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model, it supports strategic decision-making regarding hydrogen production, storage, and utilization, as well as energy trading with the grid. Simulations using production and consumption profiles assessed the effects of hydrogen storage capacity and electricity price variations. Results confirm the effectiveness of the model in optimizing system performance under different operational scenarios.

Abstract
In recent years, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) have been interpreted in many—and often conflicting—ways. We recast PEDs as a vehicle for verifiable climate neutrality and present a declaration-ready assessment that integrates (i) a cumulative, science-based GHG budget per m2 gross floor area (GFA), (ii) full life-cycle accounting, and (iii) time-resolved conversion factors that include everyday motorized individual mobility and quantify flexibility. Two KPIs anchor the framework: the cumulative GHG LCA balance (2025–2075) against a maximum compliant budget of 320 kgCO2e·m-2GFA and the annual primary energy balance used to declare PED status with or without mobility. We follow EN 15978 and apply time-resolved emission factors that decline to zero by 2050. Its applicability is demonstrated on six Austrian districts spanning new builds and renovations, diverse energy systems, densities, and mobility contexts. The baseline scenarios show heterogeneous outcomes—only two out of six meet both the cumulative GHG budget and the positive primary energy balance—but design iterations indicate that all six districts can reach the targets with realistic, ambitious packages (e.g., high energy efficiency and flexibility, local renewables, ecological building materials, BESS/V2G, and mobility electrification). Hourly emission factors and flexibility signals can lower import-weighted emission intensity versus monthly or annual factors by up to 15% and reveal seasonal import–export asymmetries. Built on transparent, auditable rules and open tooling, this framework both diagnoses performance gaps and maps credible pathways to compliance—steering PED design away from project-specific targets toward verifiable climate neutrality. It now serves as the basis for the national labeling/declaration scheme klimaaktiv “Climate-Neutral Positive Energy Districts”. © 2025 by the authors.

Abstract
Effective communication in engineering projects is pivotal for empowering the green transition, as it fosters multidisciplinary collaboration, ensures clarity across diverse stakeholders, and bridges technical and cultural gaps, ultimately driving sustainable innovation and project success. The main aim of this study is to give a contribution to overcome these communication limitations. This research explores the critical role of communication in engineering projects related to the green transition, as part of the ECO-GT project in Portugal. Through focus groups and interviews with different stakeholders, including engineers, product manufacturers and end-users, the research identifies communication challenges and essential skills required during project implementation. The findings show that the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, adapted language depending on the target audience, and openness to feedback are essential to achieving project goals. Key findings include the need for tailored communication strategies at all project stages to overcome technical and cultural barriers. This research highlights the value of integrating communication training into engineering education to prepare future engineers for the complexities of green transition projects.