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The limited water supply of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City has become a challenge for local companies. The region's aquifer is listed as closed due to pressure on the water supply as a result of growth in manufacturing as well as increased domestic water use. The environmental, economic and legal benefits of a cleaner production scenario studied were highly encouraging; implementation of cleaner technologies reduces water extraction by up to 16 times. While initial investment is high, the internal rate of return rate is approximately 35% per year, implying a three year return on initial investment. Under this scenario, the business complies with environmental regulations, avoiding great amounts of water extraction and future wastewater discharge, thus conserving this vital resource. This study proves what Silvo et al. (2009) states that In the longer run the combination of the Integrated Pollution and Prevention Control permit approach with other regulatory and voluntary policy instruments taking into account the results of system assessments such as Life Cycle Assessment could potentially produce eco-efficient solutions. Thus, for this industry, cleaner production pays off in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is a by-product of paper and timber industry, and it has not been fully utilized in both developed and developing countries. Improper disposal or storage of lignin is not only a waste of natural resources, but also posing significant risk to public health and the environment. Sustainable reuse options for lignin in civil engineering infrastructures, such as road embankments and dam foundations, have been recently evaluated by laboratory testing. However, up to now studies on the actual filed performance of lignin in stabilizing silty soils in highway subgrade have been noticed to be quite limited. With this in view, a field trial was carried out to verify the viability of using lignin stabilized silty soil as a highway subgrade course material. Traditional soil stabilizer, quicklime, was selected as a control chemical mixture in the field trial for comparison purposes. The construction procedures of the subgrade silty soil stabilized by lignin and quicklime in field Sections were presented. A series of field tests, including California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, resilient modulus ( E p ) test, Benkelman beam deflection test, and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) test were carried out after the subgrade construction to investigate the effects of the curing time and additive content on the mechanical properties and bearing capacity of the stabilized silt. In addition, moisture content and compaction degree tests were conducted to evaluate the quality of the compacted subgrade soils. The test results indicate that at the bottom zone of the filled soil layers with 96% degree of compaction, the 12% lignin stabilized silt exhibits superior mechanical performances (i.e., higher value of CBR and E p , and lower values of resilient deflection ( H r ) and DCP Index) than the 8% quicklime stabilized silt after 15 days of curing. Under the same additive content (i.e., 8%), the bearing capacity of lignin stabilized silt is slightly lower relative to the quicklime stabilized one. The field trial results reveal that as a stabilizer of the subgrade soil, lignin has negligible environmental influences and induces low construction costs. The use of lignin as a stabilization chemical mixture for silty soil may be one of the viable answers to the reuse of biobased organic by-product in civil engineering. The outcome of this study is of great significance for the development of nontraditional, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly soil stabilizer in solidification/stabilization technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the circular economy (CE), the importance of the evaluation of costs, benefits, and externalities capturing the variables involved in a product's life cycle are gaining attention both in the literature and with practitioners. In many cases, costs are isolated across the various life cycle stages and addressed in fragmented ways. The literature indicates the importance of developing and implementing life cycle costing methods from the perspective of the product/material flow life cycle. Numerical application of the product structure-based integrated life cycle analysis (PSILA) with the externalities demonstrates how this method can assist in the management of circular businesses. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the benefits of using aluminum packaging in the food sector by combining the life cycle costing (LCC) model and externalities in the CE. The results obtained through the LCC concept and externalities indicate an economic benefit and CO 2 reduction. This paper seeks to fill the research gap regarding expenditures and benefits for the analysis of production costs, environmental impacts, and externalities in an integrated manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper created an Input-Occupancy-Output (IOO) table that was integrated with several alternative waste treatment management modes. Based on this table, a Ghosh price model was developed to evaluate the price changes in each sector compared with their traditional prices for the direct and indirect impacts of the costs of waste treatment management modes. The model was applied to the waste water treatment case in China. The data were sourced from the China Statistical Bureau and a survey made by Tan et al. (2015). In each waste treatment management mode, the price change of each sector was evaluated. The results revealed that different waste treatment management modes generated different ranks for the price changes by sector. There are 22 sectors whose prices increase are mainly caused by other sectors' added waste water treatment costs. An optimal combination of two waste treatment management modes for 42 sectors generates the minimum price increase for all industries. To limit the waste water discharged in China, one possible intervention would be to increase the fine imposed for unit waste water discharged, setting it at a higher level than the unit waste water discharge fee and its treatment cost. Furthermore, it is suggested that the waste water treatment cost needs to be reasonably incorporated in the products’ prices. The model proposed in this paper will be particularly appropriate to evaluate these price increases and their impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) replacing natural aggregate (NA) to produce concrete named as recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has gained increased importance in the last few decades. Despite many visible advantages associated with the initiative, RAC is not manufactured at commercial scale to replace natural aggregate concrete (NAC) used as structural concrete in Australia presently. To identify whether the production of RAC should be favoured against NAC, an integrated assessment combining multiple criteria is essential as the previous research findings provide mixed outcomes on financial viability, product performance and environmental performance. This paper uses an integrated assessment methodology employing cost-benefit analysis (CBA) which combines the financial, direct and indirect environmental, social outcomes associated with the initiative to evaluate its suitability. By combining several qualitative and quantitative studies published by the author/s, an integral result to compare the use of RCA replacing NA in structural applications is conducted in this study. Net present value (NPV) to society associated with a unit volume of RAC is evaluated as a representative indicator to compare RAC against NAC in this paper. The results state that a unit volume of RAC results in a positive NPV of 4.2–6.0% of the price of NAC for 30% replacement (and 16.3–22.6% for 100%), prior to being used in a building r. Simulation of application of the RAC to two case study buildings indicate that the average price of concrete used in the buildings is decreased by 4.1–6.1%. The results indicate that, if the external benefit associated with the production of RAC is internalised and passed on to the purchaser of the product, production of RAC in structural buildings result in a positive NPV and saving of building material costs to the contractor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 1990 to 2017, the number of vehicles in China increased sharply from 5 million to 310 million, and vehicle emissions became one of the major sources of air pollution. Among the main sources of PM 2.5 in Beijing, the contributions from vehicle sources increased from 5.6% (2000) to 31.1% (2012) to 45% (2017). In 2010, the CO, hydrocarbon (HC), NO x , and particulate matter (PM) emissions of yellow-label vehicles (YLVs) accounted for 46.1%, 47.9%, 63.1% and 86.1% of the total emissions from on-road vehicles. In recent years, China has been implementing a YLV scrappage subsidy policy to control air pollution, and this policy has cost several hundred billion yuan nationwide. However, China has not evaluated the costs and benefits of the policy. Many people question whether the YLV scrappage subsidy policy is worthwhile, but all the stakeholders involved complicate the process of accurately evaluating the true value of the policy. In this study, we evaluated and compared the costs and benefits of the policy in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region based on 1.362 million YLVs from 2008 to 2015. Because of the implementation of the policy, the PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO x , CO and HC emissions in the BTH region decreased by 16.46, 18.12, 174.44, 669.11, and 91.64 kt, respectively, in 2008–2015. The results show that the policy played an important role in reducing pollutant emissions and improving environmental quality in the BTH region. The costs, benefits, and net benefits of the policy were 13.69, 34.03, and 20.34 billion yuan , respectively. The cost-benefit ratio in the BTH region was 1:2.49; at the city scale, Beijing ranked first (1:7.27), and the cost-benefit ratios of Tianjin and Hebei Province were 1:2.06 and 1:1.14, respectively. Of the 13 cities in the BTH region, Beijing had the highest net benefits, amounting to 16.43 billion yuan , while Handan City has the lowest net benefits, amounting to −0.58 billion yuan. The results may provide scientific support for the promotion of older vehicle and diesel vehicle scrappage subsidy policies, the development of cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and effective environmental decision-making in China. • Based on net number of scrappage YLVs, net benefits of the policy are calculated. • This paper estimates costs and benefits of the policy based on 1.27 million YLVs. • The costs, benefits, and net benefits are 13.69, 34.03, and 20.34 billion yuan. • The results help China promote vehicle scrappage subsidy policy on a large scale. • The results promote the development of the cost-benefit analysis in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data centers are estimated to have the fastest growing carbon footprint from across the whole information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Evaluating the performance of data centers in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability is becoming an increasingly important matter for organizations and governments (e.g., for regulation or reputation purposes). It nonetheless remains difficult to achieve such evaluation, as data centers imply to take into consideration a wide range of dimensions and stakeholders. Even though a wide range of sustainability performance indicators exist in the literature, there is still a lack of frameworks to help data center stakeholders (spanning from data center owners, governmental regulators to engineers/field operators) to evaluate and understand how a data center performs in terms of sustainable development/behavior. Our research work proposes such a framework, whose originality lies in the combination of state-of-the-art sustainability metrics with the biomimicry commandments of eco-mature system, which enables holistic sustainability assessment of data centres. From a theoretical perspective, the proposed model is designed based on a benefit-cost analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. This approach allows data center stakeholders for specifying their own preferences and/or expertise in the comparison process, whose practicability is demonstrated in this paper considering three data center candidates, which are respectively located in France, Germany and Sweden. • A new model for comparing data center sustainability performance is proposed. • The model makes use of state-of-the-art sustainability metrics together with biomimicry lessons. • The model is designed based on a benefit-cost approach using the AHP technique. • A comparison study is carried out with three distinct data center candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

End-of-life vehicles (ELV) represent a relevant waste source in Europe, even if ELV recycling is a priority of the European Union waste legislation and Environment Action Programmes (EAPs). End-of-Life Tires (ELTs) constitute a relevant portion of ELV waste. Textile fibre, which is a relevant portion of the ELT material, is considered as a special waste (European Waste Catalogue – EWC code 19.12.08). The main problem related to textile fibre is its contamination with rubber which does not allow to obtain a pure product economically and qualitatively useable. The aim of this paper is to illustrate an innovative technology for ELT fibre's recycling, which allows to transform textile fibre into a useful secondary raw material for different applications. In particular, the use of ELT fibre as additive for bituminous conglomerates has been investigated. The different processes have been analysed from an environmental point of view, applying the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. It came up there is an impact reduction in case the ELT fibre is reused as additive for bituminous conglomerates, instead of disposing it (through incineration). Moreover, the financial and economic sustainability of the related technological process has been evaluated to check whether the process is sustainable in the long term. Starting from the results of the Life Cycle Assessment, economic performance indicators have been calculated, by applying the European Commission methodology for cost-benefit analysis. According to the present cost-benefit analysis, in the medium and long term the system is financially viable, and the high economic profitability makes the process economically sustainable. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis as well as a risk assessment have been carried out in order to identify critical variables, evaluate risks and define risk mitigation measures. According to the sensitivity analysis performed, the project is not highly risky since even in the worst scenario the possible loss is moderate. Based on the results of this analysis, it can be concluded that this ELT fibre's recycling system can be replicated across Europe, conveniently fostered by national policies (such as subsidies, value added tax etc.). • A crucial technological add-on to existing installations is illustrated. • The aim is to transform ELT textile fibre into a useful secondary raw material for different applications. • ELT fibre's reuse presents a reduced environmental impact in comparison to the fibre's incineration. • The high economic profitability makes this recycling system economically sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese government committed to controlling carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions and promoting development of non-fossil fuels. Thus, it becomes a top priority for the government to develop effective climate policies. Against such background, this paper develops a new multi-country computable general equilibrium (CGE) model with detailed energy disaggregation. This study evaluates the impact of single policy instrument (carbon tax) and combined policy mixes, in order to investigate driving factors affecting the policy performance. The main findings are as follows. Firstly, the driving factors can be classified into two types. The first type of factors affects cost-effectiveness significantly, while the second type generates considerable effect on emission performance. Secondly, cross-border externalities function as important barriers to the CO 2 emission reduction, since they imply extra competitiveness loss and result in considerable carbon leakage. Finally, this paper considers two integrated policy mixes, wherein carbon tax revenue is recycled to reduce capital tax or support clean energy subsidy. These policy mixes can improve both cost-effectiveness and emission performance, and thus perform better than carbon tax alone. In this way, carbon tax revenue can be used to improve the performance. Looking ahead, complicated policy mixes are preferred to improve the performance of China's carbon tax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to global warming, it is urgent to control and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially from the supply chain perspective. The most often discussed topic in this domain indicates that emission trading scheme (ETS) could be employed as one of policy instruments for supply chain emissions management. Via mathematical models, scholars have shown that the employment of emission trading is affecting supply chain performances (both environmental and economic) in different levels. However, previous literature focus on the cost-effectiveness analysis only from the mathematical aspect. To provide policy-makers and companies with the theoretical bases on this hot topic, it is significant to discuss how ETS, one of market-based instruments, could be imposed in the context of supply chain from the mechanical point of view. By incorporating ideas from relevant literature, this paper generates two concepts/modes in imposing ETS on supply chain: jointly imposed supply chain emission trading (e.g., jointly imposed SC-ETS) and separately imposed supply chain emission trading (e.g., separately imposed SC-ETS). It illustrates the working principles of both concepts/modes and conducts a sandbox example to analyze the cost-effectiveness of them. Furthermore, this paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing two modes from practical aspects. Results of quantitative analysis and discussion show that for the sake of both policy-makers and supply chain companies, the separately imposed SC-ETS allowing selling permits would be so far the better mode to manage supply chain GHG emissions compared to the jointly imposed SC-ETS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments' energy-saving emission reduction policies and consumers' low-carbon preference have important implications for an enterprise's production operations. In this paper, we consider a low-carbon supply chain channel with one manufacturer and one retailer and show how to optimize the low-carbon supply chain management decision and improve the supply chain performance through contract design. This paper analyzes how the co-op advertising contract and the co-op advertising & emission reduction cost sharing contracts impact the low-carbon supply chain's optimal decision and coordination. We also explore how the optimal decision and coordination change when a retailer has fairness concerns. We have several findings. First, regardless of whether or not the retailer has fairness concerns, a co-op advertising contract cannot achieve channel coordination, but can enhance channel effectiveness; Second, when the retailer does not have fairness concerns, the co-op advertising and emission reduction cost sharing contracts can achieve channel coordination and achieve win–win situation under certain conditions; Third, the retailer's fairness concerns can change the co-op advertising and emission reduction cost sharing contracts' coordination in some cases. Our study contributes to the theoretical basis for the design of low-carbon supply chain cooperation contracts, especially in cases where the retailer has fairness concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The inspection of transmission line using suspended based robots has drawn great attention from many utility companies. Such an emerging smart technology has the advantages of energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, safety, non-service interruption, and the potential of substituting for the traditional inspection method using linemen with the help of helicopter. In this paper, we propose a routing algorithm to identify locations where the ground control station needs to be deployed when using suspended robot in transmission line inspection. The motion and location between the suspended robot and the ground team are coordinated. The bidirectional data transmission between two sides can be guaranteed so that the live signal can be received and processed, robot motion can be controlled, large size obstacles can be appropriately cleared, and health condition of the transmission line can be captured. A case study based on a segment of the transmission line in the state of Missouri of the United States is implemented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed routing algorithm. Results of the case study illustrate that the performance from both economic and environmental aspects can be significantly improved compared to the traditional inspection mode employing helicopter and linemen as well as an ad-hoc routing algorithm currently used by some utility companies to guide the suspended robot in transmission line inspection. Specifically, compared to the ad-hoc routing algorithm and helicopter with photoelectric stabilized pod, the proposed algorithm can reduce the unit cost by 7.55% and 8.04%; and cut the unit emission by 21% and 98%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cost-benefit analysis of emission control measures is an important part of the development and refinement of policies in the transportation sector, especially in China. In this paper, a cost-benefit analysis of the measures in place to reduce air pollutants [carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NO X), fine particulate matter (PM 2.5)] and greenhouse gases (GHGs) [carbon dioxide (CO 2)] in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region by 2020 is conducted. Based on the design of five types of emission reduction scenarios and normalization of the emission reduction effect, the total costs and the cost-benefit of these reduction scenarios in the PRD region by 2020 are evaluated. Results show the scenario, which new cars bought after 2014 are all upgraded from China V emission standard to China VI emission standard and motorcycles are still China III emission standard (UES), has a significant effect with 717,690 tons of the air pollutants equivalent and 38,960 tons of the GHGs equivalent reduction, while the Eliminate Motorcycles (EM) scenario produces the worst emissions reduction result. Therefore the cost-benefit of the UES scenario is extremely high, and the unit cost of air pollutants and GHGs reductions is only 0.003 Renminbi/g (RMB/g), showing a win-win situation of emission reduction and cost savings. Although the total cost of the BPSevere scenario, giving priority to public transportation development to reduce the mobility for private cars and motorcycles, is the highest (197.47 billion RMB), it can effectively reduce 9925 tons of GHGs equivalent and bring significant climate benefits. Moreover, for any reduction scenarios, the cost-benefit cannot be improved by strengthening the control level. And the comparison of the unit reduction costs among four different sectors shows that the cost-benefits of reduction scenarios in the transportation sector are worse and more variable. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • A cost-benefit analysis of vehicle emissions reduction in the Pearl River Delta region by 2020 is conducted. • The cost-benefit of the "Updated Emissions Standard" scenario is extremely high. • A win-win situation of emissions reduction and cost savings could be achieved in "Bus Priority" scenario. • The cost-benefit of emissions reduction measures in the transportation sector shows is worse and more variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hazardous waste management (HWM) deals with the safe, efficient and cost effective collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of wastes. This paper presents a profit- oriented mixed integer mathematical model for the hazardous waste location-routing problem, which incorporates the energy recovery from waste and the application of the polluter pays principle. The suggested model decides on the locations and numbers of recycling, incineration, sterilization, interim storage and disposal centers and on how to transfer various types of hazardous waste and waste residues among these centers from the perspective of environmental protection. The proposed model was implemented in a real life case study and tested on various hypothetical problem instances. In addition, an extended formulation was developed on a rolling horizon basis through the objective function of Net Present Value (NPV) to analyze the overall profitability of the entire HWM system for long-term planning and a sensitivity study was conducted on different interest rates. The results show that the model is applicable to real-life waste management systems and it can provide effective solutions for large-scale HWM problems. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • The model investigates the overall profitability of the entire HWM system. • The model locates hazardous waste centers, including storage centers in HWM system. • The model addresses polluter pays principle and waste-energy processes. • Waste-to-technology compatibility is considered. • The extended model investigates the long-term profitability of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA is a medium-sized city located within the Lake Michigan watershed. Grand Rapids spends a considerable amount of money managing stormwater. Impervious surfaces collect and concentrate volumes of water and associated sediments and pollutants creating flooding, erosion, and pollution problems especially, for downstream communities. An ecological paradigm has emerged that places stormwater quantity and quality within the context of integrated watershed management. Stormwater quantity can be reduced and quality can be improved by, for example, mimicking natural hydrology. Detailed benefit-cost analyses, however, are still lacking. Therefore, the research team estimated the economic benefits and costs of various green infrastructure (GI) practices. Each GI practice was standardized to treat 84.95 m 3 (3000 ft 3 ) of stormwater per 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) event plus the first 25.4 mm of stormwater from larger events. This equates to about 3030 m 3 (107,000 ft 3 ) of stormwater per year. A benefit transfer approach was used to estimate the net present value (NPV) of capital, operations, and maintenance costs, as well as the direct and indirect benefits. The suite of benefits varied for each GI practice and included flood risk reduction; reductions in stormwater volume, total phosphorus, total suspended solids, and air pollution; scenic amenity value; and CO 2 storage. A 3.5 percent discount rate was applied to all costs and benefits, and each practice was analyzed over 50 years. Conserved natural areas had the largest NPV at $109/m 3 of water quality volume (WQv) reduced, followed by street trees at $46/m 3 WQv, rain gardens at $37/m 3 WQv, and porous asphalt at $21/m 3 WQv. Infiltrating bioretention basins and green roofs had negative NPVs of $-3.76/m 3 WQv and $-47.17/m 3 WQv, respectively. If the green roof is used to attain certification such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, then the net benefits turn positive. This paper will help both academic researchers and stormwater managers in the Great Lakes region and beyond understand the relative benefits and costs of stormwater GI so cost-effective practices can be implemented. The calculations presented here form the basis of the www.RainwaterRewards.com stormwater GI calculator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy of controlling individual pollutants without considering synergistic effects and ancillary benefit/cost has been followed in the course of air pollution control in China. This policy orientation could lead to divided and costly technology pathways. In this paper, the coal-fired power sector is used as a representative case to investigate the technology schemes and assess their cost effectiveness, so as to provide empirical evidence of technology synergies' impacts on cost-effectiveness and to shed light on the future directions for pollution control strategies. The results indicate that more pollution damage caused by particulate matter and mercury, could be avoided at less cost if the proposed technology schemes can be used more instead of the current mainstream scheme in this sector at the beginning of air pollution regulation. It implies that more detailed evaluation of technology schemes is needed to better control multiple pollutants and alleviate various negative health endpoint effects. The transformation of strategy will rely on a combination of technological developments and policy changes. The lessons learned from coal-fired power sector can contribute to policy-making across sectors within the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More and more countries and regions have turned to the cap-and-trade scheme to control carbon emissions. Proper planning of emission permit trading and green technology implementation is beneficial for a generating company to achieve its emission targets at the lowest possible cost. In this paper, a multistage mixed-integer nonlinear programming model is formulated to help make these decisions, which minimizes the total cost of green technology investment, emission permit trading and holding. Differing from previous research, this model captures the characteristics associated with green technology, notably its implementation lasting as a project for several periods and investment cost declining over time due to technology maturation. The holding cost of emission permits as a new operational resource under the cap-and-trade scheme and auto-regression of the carbon price are also considered in the proposed model. The analytical results suggest the optimal trading period and the trading amount of emission permit as well as the starting period for implementing green technology. It is found that the optimal trading period has nothing to do with initial emission permit quota allocated by regulator. In addition, whether or not to invest in green technology is determined by balancing the investment cost and its resulting benefit of reduced emission. Higher carbon price and unit holding cost of emission permit will incent the generating companies implement green technology. The analysis results also illustrate the specific regions in which cleaner/dirtier green technology will be selected or none of them will be considered. Finally, numerical examples validate the analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bicycles are a desirable form of transportation for many reasons, including the fact that taking a bicycle is environmentally-friendly, economically cost-effective, a way to keep fit and healthy and, on occasions, an enjoyable social activity. This paper explores the characteristics and commonalities between particular bike-sharing systems in urban areas, with a view to deriving influences on the sustainability of such systems. The empirical study is China and the paper analyses bike-sharing systems in five Chinese cities. China is suffering from the severe negative consequences of high private vehicle usage in large and densely populated cities. Nevertheless a long history of bicycle usage in the country provides great potential for such a green form of travel to be part of public and private transportation. The findings show that bike-sharing systems have varying degrees of success. The configurations which seem the most sustainable consider and integrate elements relating to transport planning, system design and choice of business model. Key conclusions are that those responsible for developing policy and practices in relation to bike-sharing systems need to understand the diverse aspects of value for the stakeholders wishing to engage with such a system. Public bicycle sharing, as a Product Service System, needs to be carefully developed to appreciate the quality and timely interplay between the physical design of the system and the provision of services being offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergent smart energy distribution systems offer new approaches in the sustainable management of energy consumption, even at household level. The smart grid and smart house paradigms provide the necessary infrastructure to improve the efficiency of the distribution system and at the same time offer benefits for the consumers, too. In this paper the control of an intelligent household refrigerator is introduced, which can autonomously react to hourly energy tariffs by shifting its operating periods to less expensive time slots, thus it greedily minimizes the energy bill of the consumer. As a “side effect”, the energy consumption is decreased during peak periods, which is the primary purpose of the utility provider, and also decreases the CO 2 emission. The proposed controller adaptively learns the dynamic behavioral model of the appliance, and utilizes this model in a predictive control scheme. The proposed method is evaluated utilizing a realistic household refrigerator model and real pricing data. The operation is also validated by a real hardware implementation, which confirms that the control algorithm can be implemented using inexpensive embedded hardware devices. According to experiments using real pricing data, the proposed model predictive control can save 9% of the energy bill and can decrease the peak energy consumption by as much as 76%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prospective cost-benefit of CSP (concentrated solar power) is the attention focus for policy-making and investment decisions. In order to analyze cost-benefit evolution of CSP, the paper adopted the net present value and discounted cash flows techniques to develop a mathematical model, and calculated LCOE (levelized cost of energy) of CSP between 2018 and 2050 by taking the CSP industry of China as an example. The results show that: Firstly, CSP has a large potential in the LCOE reduction, and the values of parabolic trough and solar tower CSP systems reduce by 46%–57% and 47%–56% from 2018 to 2050, respectively. Secondly, predicted evolution for the LCOE of CSP strongly depends, not only on the cumulative installed capacity determined by the specific growth paths of Blue Map and Roadmap Scenarios, but also on the learning curves impacted by technical progress and experience accumulation. Thirdly, to select the sites with higher direct normal irradiation and land cost exemption is crucial to improve cost-benefit evolution of CSP. Lastly, the expected returns (i.e. discount rate) have important effect on the LCOE evolution of CSP, high expected returns lead to high the LCOE, and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the fact that shareholders respond to environmental initiatives according to their perception of the potential related benefits, this study investigates whether customer-related performance affects the value relevance of voluntary environmental reporting. This paper provides a better understanding of the circumstances under which shareholders react positively to voluntary environmental information disclosed by firms operating in environmentally sensitive industries. Using a sample of French listed firms belonging to the SBF 120 stock index over an eleven-year period (2001–2011), our results show that a higher level of environmental disclosure is valued negatively by shareholders for firms operating in environmentally sensitive industries. In line with cost-benefit analysis, shareholders are found to rely more on profitability-based performance (i.e., return on sales and return on assets) than on revenue-based performance (i.e., sales growth) when assessing the relevance of environmental reporting for firms operating in environmentally sensitive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides some new insights into the variability and severity of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants from the first ever environmental audit of Nigeria's downstream oil facilities. Petroleum facility operation is the backbone of energy supply all over the world but this process is not without potentially avoidable water pollution incidents. Meanwhile, past studies tend to ignore patterns of pollution parameters at the national scale and are often limited in scope and coverage. To address this research gap, Principal Component Analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied to evaluate the variability in ‘national’ pollution data to tease-out novel patterns that best discriminate between groups of pipeline facility network across Nigeria's downstream sector. The key results are (a) a mix of strong and weak statistically significant ( p -value < 0.001) and positive correlation between pollutants across three pipeline regions; (b) the main eigenvector statistically explains 71.5% of the variance found in the ‘national’ pollution parameters; and (c) according to the hierarchical cluster analyses, we now know that there is an incoherent pattern from the group data and a rather weak association which suggest that the type of oil facility systems in operation or their products have no effect on the severity of hydrocarbon pollution parameters found in water samples across the three regions. The implication of these results is that it might be cost-effective to apply a uniform approach in responding to future petroleum water contamination depending on site specific hazards posed by toxicity level, temporal nature of detected chemicals and human exposure. Future study should consider the use of carbon stable isotope ratios to assess variances in hydrocarbon contamination in water bodies, and tailor this for cost-effective national response given the aforementioned caveats. This can guarantee a more sustainable operations and enhance response to water pollution incidents. The study approach and, possibly its outcomes, could be a useful starting point for nations with new oil and gas discoveries such as Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda, The Gambia, Liberia and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid biomass planning is a complex and multifaceted process, as it aims to achieve a large number of objectives while involving various stakeholders. This complexity heightens particularly in marginal areas, where socioeconomic weaknesses are critical obstacles to the sustainable development of these territories. This paper proposes an integrated method for dealing with such problem by using a combined optimization approach. This is done in order to implement the ‘best’ investment solution to be realized in marginal areas, and a benefit cost analysis to assess the feasibility of investment for each involved operator. The methodology of the study maximizes the utility of the stakeholders in the respect of the territory. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been demonstrated through a twofold and comparative application, both in Italy and in Germany, in order to verify the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart meters are crucial technologies for enabling smart grid solutions and applications. Although smart metering deployment has been started at the national and regional levels, there is still the question that how should the costs of deployment be allocated among stakeholders. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is the common method for analyzing the economic feasibility of the deployment process. Starting from the CBA approach, this paper argues an efficient cost recovery scheme depends not only on the costs and benefits for each actor, but also on the interdependencies between the behavior of different actor groups. By taking a dynamic modeling approach and using System Dynamics models, this study examines the dynamics of interaction between different actors in the technology deployment process, and proposes scenarios for an efficient cost recovery. It is claimed that a dynamic view to the common Cost-Benefit Analysis approach has three advantages. First, the possibility of including actors benefiting from positive externalities or actors that can contribute to system efficiency is provided. Second, a balance can be found between the short term and long term consequences of system interventions; and finally, the development of innovative solutions, in the forms of business and policy scenarios is facilitated. The results may explain why reluctance to participate in the technology deployment process persists even after introducing dynamic pricing policies, and what factors are more critical in analyzing the cost and benefit structures of the technological system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts Energy Efficiency Retrofit (EER) of existing buildings is a key program for improving building energy efficiency in northern regions of China. This paper presents a methodological framework to conduct an economic cost-benefit analysis for EER projects, based on the calculation of costs and benefits over life cycle. By conducting a case study of a retrofit project located in Huixin Western Street Residential Area, Beijing, China, this research empirically examines its economic sustainability. The research found that in China, retrofit of existing buildings generally lack of attractiveness to investors from an economic perspective. The retrofit of heat source and outdoor heating pipe networks is cost effective, whilst buildings envelopes retrofit is not economically beneficial. For building envelopes retrofit, if replacing windows using appropriate material, retrofit of external windows represents higher cost effectiveness than that of external walls. By applying sensitivity analysis, the research further discussed the effects of relevant factors on the economic viability of retrofit projects, and found that energy price is the most sensitive factor, followed by initial costs and energy conservation rate. The selection of retrofit materials also greatly influences the economic outcomes. This research offers directions for policy makers and managers to develop incentive mechanisms and management interventions to promote the implementation of the retrofit program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of green design and technology in buildings, which can mitigate negative impacts on the environment, has been recognized as a key step towards global sustainable development. In addition to technology development, economic viability plays a pivotal role in stimulating the design, construction and use of green buildings. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent studies on the economic viability of “going green”, including cost-benefit analyses from the perspective of building life cycle and from the perspective of major market participants. While “going green” is more likely to be seen as profitable from the building life cycle perspective, economic viability, from the perspective of developers and occupants, remains unclear due to information, behavior and policy factors. Such discrepancy in the results regarding economic viability is one major reason for the “paradox” of the very gradual diffusion of apparently cost-effective green buildings in most economies. We also propose several key topics that merit future research, including more comprehensive evidence about life-cycle costs and benefits of green buildings, the incorporation of ancillary long-term or intangible benefits in the analysis of economic viability for developers and occupants, an investigation on the dynamics of the adoption of green buildings, and institutional arrangements for stimulating green practices in the building sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denmark is ambitious in the green transition of its transport sector. The biogas has potentials to substitute diesel as the vehicle fuel. In this paper, we examine the whole chain of biogas utilisation (biomass supply, biogas production and distribution, and fuel substitution) from both environmental and economic perspectives. We find that with low/high biomass supply potentials, the saved greenhouse gas emissions range from 0.89 to 1.66 million tons/2.19 to 4.27 million tons CO 2 e (carbon dioxide equivalent). The soil carbon stock could increase 52310/124770 tons with low/high biomass supply potentials (measured as remaining carbon in soil in 100 years after application of digestate into soil). The biogas plant owners can obtain a return of investment ranging from 10.78% to 13.62% depending on biomass supply potentials and biogas production technologies. The farmers can save up to 717.93 and 1382.1 million DKK (Danish krone) by substituting mineral P (phosphorus) and N (nitrogen) fertilisers with low biomass supply potential and 1.74 and 3.44 billion DKK with high biomass supply potential. Finally, the vehicle users have incentives to use biogas because of its cost advantage. However, there are also some potential barriers and uncertainties in achieving the green transition, e.g. initial investment for CO 2 conversion equipment and diesel-vehicle users' sunk costs, which could require suitable policy supports. We suggest that using biogas in heavy-duty vehicles could be an effective way to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, many coal-to-olefin (CTO) plants have started up in China. It is important for China to answer the following question: between coal-based ethylene and oil-based ethylene, which is the better choice? To provide a reference for policy makers and investors, this paper analyses the economic performance and the impact of future environment policy of both the CTO project and the oil-based ethylene project by a cost-benefit analysis. Quantitative analysis shows that the CTO project has a slight advantage over the oil-based ethylene project in a basic scenario when the crude oil price is above $70/bbl. However, international oil prices have a greater impact on the CTO project than the oil-based ethylene project. Thus, the CTO project has less anti-risk ability to the international oil market fluctuation than the oil-based ethylene project. What's more important is the environmental policy impact. After taking carbon trading costs and wastewater surcharge into account, the CTO project no longer has any advantage over the oil-based ethylene project. It can be seen in the foreseeable future that the CTO project will soon lose competitiveness. This indicates that the CTO project may not be consistent with sustainable development. These results suggest that from an environment perspective, policy makers and investors should be prudent about developing the CTO project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a cost-benefit analysis of a new solution for the management of waste and wastewater in a candied fruit – jam factory. The solid waste products are presently treated via composting, while wastewaters are sent to a conventional biological treatment, after a chemical pre-treatment. This management modality involves an economic cost of 15 k€/y and a direct emission of 435 t CO 2 /y. Due to the high potential of this kind of waste products to generate methane under anaerobic conditions, a Waste-to-Energy solution that considers an optimized anaerobic digestion (AD) process was investigated. Digestibility tests carried out at a lab-scale demonstrated that the solid waste had an average methane specific yield of 0.276 Nm 3 /kgVS added and the liquid waste, that make up the wastewater, had methane specific yields ranging from 0.250 to 0.330 Nm 3 /kgVS added . Moreover, tests demonstrated that an accurate regulation of the food vs. microorganism ratio (F/M), and the addition of nitrogen and buffering resources, were compulsory for a steady development of the AD process. The whole amount of waste generated in the factory can be digested in a 320 m 3 reactor coupled with a 40 kW combined heat and power unit. The AD process can produce approximately 30% of the electrical needs of the plant and supply one part of the heat necessary for the industrial processes, thus saving fossil fuels. Net CO 2 emissions could decrease by approximately a half compared with the present solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplier audits are frequently criticized for lacking authenticity and objectivity. Technology-enhanced audits (TEA) offer a potential solution to supplier audit problems by enabling enhanced analytical, visualization, modeling, and predictive capabilities. This paper explores the potential of Industry 4.0 practices in enhancing supplier audit authenticity and efficacy, as well as reducing supplier monitoring costs. The application of Industry 4.0 in supplier auditing is still in its infancy. Therefore, this paper adopts an exploratory approach building on an extensive review of the literature. The paper builds upon an inductive-deductive approach to explore how the individual technologies underlying Industry 4.0 can be leveraged to enhance supplier audits. Based on insights from the literature, the paper develops propositions outlining the role of Industry 4.0 in supplier audit authenticity, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. The paper builds arguments against the backdrop of traditional audits' limitations and illustrates how TEA can overcome many of these limitations. TEA can enhance the authenticity and efficacy of supplier audits, while also reducing supplier monitoring costs. TEA are most effective in an Industry 4.0 environment where the use of technologies is supported with governance structures. The application of Industry 4.0 can make supplier audits more transparent and value-adding, benefiting both the buyer and supplier. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are explored. Suppliers can leverage TEA to create opportunities for strategic differentiation, enhance transparency and trust, and stand out from those who view audits solely as a cost. Buyers can use TEA to enhance audit efficacy, enhance insights into supplier operations, cut monitoring costs, and improve their competitiveness. TEA is a new generation of supplier auditing that has the potential to bring fundamental changes to current auditing models and make audits genuine, authentic, prospective, and insightful while building on Industry 4.0 principles. • Traditional supplier audits have several limitations. • Technology-enhanced audits (TEA) can overcome many of the limitations of traditional audits. • Industry 4.0 provides a valuable framework for orchestrating TEA. • Industry 4.0 based supplier audits can make audits more authentic, efficacious, and cost-effective. • TEA are likely to be more effective in an Industry 4.0 environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), water is continuously treated and recirculated as opposed to being discharged untreated into the environment as in other type of fish production systems; the design and production parameters will determine the overall energy consumption. This energy-intensive nature hampers their sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This paper proposes a combination of two methods (i.e. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with energy audits) to: improve environmental performance of RAS, identify energy consumption and thus, its environmental and monetary effects in order to seek cost reduction. The proposed methodology was proved with a case study focused in a pilot-scale RAS unit used in codfish ( Gadus morhua ) production, located in the Basque coastal area (northern Spain). Feed and juvenile production/transportation, oxygen transportation and energy consumed during the whole experiment were considered as inputs for the assessment. Energy consumption was measured both continuously by an energy meter embedded in the RAS unit as well as with a portable energy analyzer to measure each of the energy-consuming devices independently. Although the system required an average of 29.40 kWh/kg fish for successful system operation, the energy consumption varied by season presenting maximum and minimum periods of 40.57 and 18.43 kWh/kg fish, respectively. Main consumers included the heat pump, followed by the main and secondary pumps, respectively. Energy audit's results show the success in identifying the devices that consumed the largest amount of energy, and recorded data served to feed the Life Cycle Inventory and perform a more complete and precise LCA. Fossil fuel based on-farm electricity for the on-growing of fish was shown to be the most environmentally unfriendly input; it was the major impact producer in the assessed impact categories. It showed a temporal variability depending on the water temperature, which resulted to be the main factor linked to the energy use. This aided performing a precise assessment including system-specific scenarios. The combination of LCA and on-farm energy audit represents a useful tool to secure a more complete assessment with a periodic assessment to design a less energy intensive, profitable and sustainable system; likewise, it increases the speed and transparency of governance and decision-making, taking into account the time-based fluctuation of the energy consumption throughout the production cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy and water management has become a necessary part of industrial production for manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact and production cost because of increasingly serious resources crisis, strict environmental regulations and consumers’ demand for sustainable products. However, due to the complex operation processes and high investment cost, the existing energy, water and production management systems are not applicable and profitable for small and medium-sized manufacturers which are featured as poor capital flow and worker capability. In this paper, we develop a cost-effective energy and water management system, embedded in the production system. In addition to provide the production manager and workers in small and medium-sized manufacturers with an easy-to-operate way to conduct planning and supervision as well as complete production and information collection, the proposed system can find out the production process and team with low energy and water efficiencies by monitoring consumption in a low-cost way. The production manager can accordingly take technology improvement on specific process and enhance environmental training on specific workers to reduce consumption and increase profit. The monitoring results can also be used for financial accounting, cleaner production inspection and environmental products certification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Energy Efficiency Directive requests the application of high quality and cost effective energy audits across Europe. The potential of up to 20% of energy savings shall be realized to follow the strategy of smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. A number of barriers must be tackled to implement the Directive, especially among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). A large number of cost effective energy efficiency measures remains unimplemented because of financial reasons, a lack of information, and limited in-house skills. Information measures, audits, capacity buildings are suggested as potentially effective measures to support implementation of energy efficiency measures. Within the work described in this paper, an auditing approach was developed, focusing on modelling the energy consumption of an SME. The model of the energy consumption is built using simple MS Excel tools, dividing the process into unit operations and attributing annual consumption to these units, from measurements or by calculation. Consumption is linked to drivers of consumption and corresponding losses, thus developing an understanding of the origin of energy consumption, priorities, and the potential for reduction. The approach simultaneously addresses the needs for the identification of measures, capacity building, information and awareness raising. The auditing approach was tested with 280 companies in Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Italy, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. A wide range of energy efficiency measures was identified and implemented, partly consisting of no-cost options, but partly also innovative technical solutions. Over EUR 10 million investments with a simple payback time of less than three years were triggered. 6500 toe per year of primary energy savings were realized, as well as greenhouse gas emission reductions of 13,500 tonnes per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest control in pasta processing industries is considered to be one of the activities that can have the greatest impact on the environment. However, the adoption of techniques with a lower environmental impact can result in increased production costs that may discourage their adoption by firms, if not adequately compensated by corresponding increase in revenue. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the economic feasibility of High Heat Treatments, a physical method for pest control in industrial plants that produce pasta in Sicily (Italy). A Benefit-Cost Analysis has been conducted in which the costs refer to the implementation of the High Heat Treatments and the benefits were estimated in terms of the potential increase in the pasta factory's turnover. Increases in turnover derive from the impact of a hypothetical eco-friendly mark, based on the consumer's Willingness To Pay for pasta produced by a production process that reduces environmental impact. The results of the Benefit-Cost Analysis have demonstrated that the premium price that consumers recognise for pasta produced with eco-friendly techniques could ensure an increase in turnover of firms making High Heat Treatments economically feasible for the pasta-making industry. Furthermore, this paper could be a guideline for future research towards an integration of non-hypothetical open-ended choice experiment and the economic analysis tool within Benefit-Cost Analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the output of crops such as cassava, sugarcane, and oil palm, is necessary for biofuels development. To increase the crop yield, a large amount of water is required which can have an impact on the net social welfare. This study aims to assess the benefit and cost of water resource use in biofuel crops production to support the cost-benefit analysis of biofuels development. Benefit of water is presented through the value of its marginal product estimated by using economic valuation methods. The loss due to water consumption is assessed and monetized based on life cycle impact assessment. To show how the approach is applied to the regional level, Thailand is considered as a case study. The results show that the economic gains from using a cubic meter of water in cassava, sugarcane, and oil palm production are 1.6–6.9, 1.0–5.0, and 0.8–2.9 Thai baht, respectively. However, using this amount of water can also bring about the external cost around 0.2 Thai baht, leading to the net benefits of using a cubic meter of water in cassava, sugarcane, and oil palm production between 1.5 and 6.7, 0.9–4.8, and 0.6–2.6 Thai baht, respectively. Gain and loss of the water used in cassava, sugarcane, and oil palm cultivation are expressed in monetary units for the first time by this study. Besides, this paper could be a guideline for future research towards an integration of life cycle impact assessment and the economic analysis tool, cost-benefit analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dominance of the physical effects of ultrasound (US) pretreatment in improving the delignification of wheat straw at a 1:20 solid/liquid (biomass/water) ratio is reported showing low-frequency/high power (25 kHz, 2 or 3 kW) as preferred conditions. The sonochemical pretreatment with alkali was identified as an optimal method to make the cellulose more susceptible to further enzymatic hydrolysis, thereby increasing the yield of soluble sugars. Previous bench-scale studies have shown that US pretreatment has a positive effect on delignification, nevertheless this has not yet been demonstrated on a larger scale. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of US pretreatment for wheat straw delignification from lab to semi-industrial scale (40 kg biomass) in terms of sugar yield and energy efficiency. A 59.2% of lignin removal was recorded after the cavitational treatment of wheat straw with a subsequent 68 ± 5.7% yield in terms of enzymatic hydrolysis (52.6% glucose, 42.9% xylose and 4.5% arabinose). It was demonstrated that the positive effect of US alkali pretreatment of wheat straw on sugar yield was due to a combination of factors, including (i) an easier accessibility of the biomass carbohydrate network to enzymes due to the increased wheat straw porosity, (ii) the partial removal of lignin, which increases the relative proportion of carbohydrates in the treated biomass, and (iii) the disordering (amorphization) of the cellulose structure, which promotes carbohydrate hydrolysis as well as saponification of the acetyl groups in the hemicellulose. With respect to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Cost Benefit Analysis the US pretreatment process herein reported was compared to an alternative Steam Explosion pretreatment. The results of the LCA analysis showed, that for all five environmental categories (energy consumption, global warming potential, water and fossil depletion, and the land occupation) the US pretreatment has advantages in comparison with the standard industrial Steam Explosion pretreatment. [Display omitted] • Residual biomass as sustainable source for the production of fermentable sugars. • Ultrasound as alternative technology for the scalability of biomass conversion. • First study on ultrasound pretreatment of wheat straw at semi-industrial scale. • First study on enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated biomass at semi-industrial scale. • Life Cycle Assessments of wheat straw valorization at semi-industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture, forestry and other land use are important components of a global strategy to limit climate change. Using the example of EU agriculture, this paper examines the potential contribution of technological (i.e. technical and management-based) greenhouse gas mitigation options to climate targets. The quantitative framework presented allows to analyze disparities between marginal abatement cost curves (MACCs) derived from two different commonly used approaches, and between aggregated and regional MACCs. Results highlight the importance of assessing mitigation of agricultural emissions from a multi-dimensional perspective, considering regional heterogeneity of biophysical and economic circumstances and comprising both carbon-dioxide (CO 2) and non-CO 2 emissions. Regarding the ranking of technologies in terms of mitigation potential and costs, the results underline the need to consider technologies in a combined manner, avoiding the simple aggregation of mitigation potentials by individual measures without taking their interactions into account. Focusing only on standalone MACCs can lead to an overestimation of the mitigation potential. Conversely, measures classified as relatively high cost in standalone and aggregated MACCs should not be discarded, as they can still be cost-effective in some regions. The analysis shows that there is no 'one size fits all' rule that could be followed for identifying technologies that should be implemented in all regions. From a policy perspective the results imply that farmers should be granted some flexibility to adopt a set of cost-effective mitigation options that best fits their circumstances. • This paper explores disparities between technology-specific MACCs in agriculture. • Mitigation technologies need to be considered in a combined and regional manner. • Interactions between measures affect cost-effectiveness of individual technologies. • Standalone approaches may discard options that are cost-effective for some regions. • Region-specific flexibility is required to find the most cost-effective technology mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The embodied green-house gas (GHG) emissions from the high speed rail (HSR) stations are non-negligible given the considerable scale of modern HSR stations that serve as multifunctional complex. However, the magnitude of the GHG emissions is often underestimated owing to the limited use of reliable inventory data, as well as the simplified modelling that fails to capture the versatile structural/architectural features. To fill the knowledge gap, this paper reviewed the design documents of 117 HSR stations in China to provide more reliable quantification and reveal the factors associated with the GHG emissions. The embodied GHG emissions of the HSR stations were quantified by use of the actual inventory data. Based on the quantification results, a data-driven prediction model was constructed by an optimized general regression neural network (GRNN), which identified a link between the seven design parameters of HSR stations and the embodied GHG emissions. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted considering the balance between the embodied GHG emissions and serviceability. and discussion The results revealed a non-negligible contribution of HSR stations to the embodied GHG emissions of rail infrastructure. For regional HSR lines, the embodied GHG emissions from the stations could account for over 26% of the whole line. The results also revealed the large stations to be the major source of emissions, for which the embodied emissions per area are 2.84 times of the smaller stations. A Pareto-type distribution exists as the ten largest stations (in station area) contribute nearly 60% of the total emissions of the 117 samples. A canonical correlation analysis (CCA) revealed the station area to be the most prominent factor to the embodied GHG emissions, and the optimized GRNN with CCA-processed input vector make more reliable prediction. The regional HSR lines are subject to higher risk of unsound carbon investment, owing to the low service level of some stations. [Display omitted] • Real inventory data of 117 sample HSR stations in China are used for quantification. • Large stations are responsible for more embodied emissions per station area. • The top 10 largest stations contribute about 60% of the samples' total embodied GHG emissions. • Station area is the most prominent factor affecting the embodied GHG emissions. • Stations of regional HSR lines are more vulnerable to unsound carbon investment due to low service level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, industry includes various sectors like manufacturing, energy, materials & mining, and transportation. Industry consumes about one half of the world's total delivered energy, and manufacturing is one of the energy-intensive industrial sectors. With the rising energy price, the energy cost is becoming a controllable expenditure in manufacturing. In this paper, a generic method has been proposed to minimize the energy cost and improve the energy efficiency of manufacturing unit processes. Finite state machines have been used to build the transitional state-based energy model of a single machine. A mixed-integer linear programming mathematical model has been formulated for energy-cost-aware job order scheduling on a single machine. A generic algorithm has been implemented to search for an energy-cost-effective schedule at volatile energy prices with the constraint of due dates. As a result, plant managers can have an energy-cost-effective job order schedule which is associated with machine energy states along time, and can also get time-indexed energy simulation of the schedule. In comparison to most of the static scheduling approaches, stochasticity has been further handled through a cyclic interaction between the scheduler and the energy model, which facilitates to investigate how stochasticity on a shop floor affects the performance of energy-cost-aware scheduling. Empirical data have been used in the case study, including the power measured from a grinding machine, and the real-time pricing and time-of-use pricing tariffs. The proposed method has been demonstrated to be both energy-efficient and energy-cost-efficient even at the presence of stochasticity. As a joint effort of energy efficiency and demand response within demand side management, this method shows its effectiveness for contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during peak periods, and for leading to energy-efficient, demand-responsive, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emission from municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is one of the anthropogenic sources to cause climate change, which accounts for 3–5% of global greenhouse gas emissions according to the report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). At the same time, the gases and liquid discharged from MSW treatment can also cause other environmental impacts, such as climate change, photochemical ozone synthesis, and acidification, especially in huge city with huge population as Beijing, China. This paper proposed an eco-efficiency analysis method, which aimed to yield maximum overall environmental improvement per unit investment cost during its life cycle processing. This method took the overall reduction in the environmental impact of MSW treatment using cost-effective techniques as the objective to optimize waste disposal systems. The separation ratio during MSW collection and the proportion of techniques used for treatment were the major indicators for optimization measures. For Beijing, an increase in the waste separation ratio during collection proved to be the most effective measure, with an eco-efficiency score of 0.144. Adjustment of the proportion of treatment techniques used was less eco-efficient, with an increase in the proportion of composting being the most effective approach. Based on real needs, the objective should be to reduce the proportion of landfills used and increase the amount of composting and incineration. This optimization measure had the lowest cost and an eco-efficiency score of 0.0461, which is 60% higher than that for the measure with the lowest eco-efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve air quality in northern China, especially in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, the Chinese government has issued a series of coal replacement policies for clean heating in households in the region. However, little research evaluates the overall costs and benefits and the health co-benefits of the implementation of such policies. Analysis of the results of top-down policies rarely focuses on actual changes in the behavior of subjects at the micro level, leading to a divergence between policy design and evaluation. To quantify the actual implementation effects of China's coal replacement policies in the BTH region, this paper explores the cost-effectiveness of these policies. To this end, we combine the results of a micro survey on household energy use behavior with a policy scenario analysis, take household size into account, and evaluate the environmental cost-benefits and the health co-benefits of clean heating. The results show the implementation of coal replacement policies can significantly reduce CO 2 , SO 2 and NO x emissions. And the cost-benefit analysis demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of China's coal replacement policies. Specifically, during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016–2020), by improving air quality in the BTH region, these clean heating policies brought cumulative health benefits of 36.73 billion yuan. Therefore, we conclude that China's clean heating policies can effectively reduce pollutant emissions and have health co-benefits. As we analyze the contribution of different alternative technologies to clean heating and take household size into account, our results can help policymakers formulate technology selection and subsidy policies. [Display omitted] • The cost-effectiveness of China's coal replacement policies has been demonstrated. • Clean heating policies can significantly reduce CO 2 , SO 2 and NO x emissions. • Clean heating brought cumulative health benefits of 36.7 billion yuan in BTH region. • Emission reduction per unit of coal substitution varies by household size. • There are differences in the choice of alternative technologies in the BTH region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate potential benefits and challenges regarding knowledge transfer and cultural change from the provider and buyer perspectives when using IPSOs for Swedish rail infrastructure. Considering material use and the importance of availability of the tracks makes rail infrastructure an interesting candidate for a business model based on a life-cycle approach, which can result in a reduction in cost and environmental impact. The concept of the Integrated Product Service Offering (IPSO) has in several business areas proven to be a means with potential to reduce the environmental impact of products and services, increase cost efficiency and quality, and act as a driver for change. The business model, which is based on a life-cycle approach, focuses on the function instead of the initial price of the product. Among the main findings are the lack of information and knowledge transfer that act as a barrier for innovation, and that the buyer's conservative business culture makes it difficult to implement new types of contracts. Since IPSO contracts require improved information transfer, they could potentially stimulate innovation as well as processes for evaluation of the contracts. By involving the contractors in the design phase their knowledge could be used in a better way, creating a feedback loop from practice to design. The empirical part, focusing on the rail infrastructure industry in Sweden, has been collected using individual interviews and a group interview approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) have emerged as a popular conservation tool, yet evaluation among different PES programs strategies remains piecemeal. We prospectively compare cost-effectiveness of general PES, collective payments for ecosystem services (CPES) and the transition from PES to Land Purchases or Easements (LPE). We analyze the economic cost using statistics data and literature data, and analyze the transaction cost with the ordinal variable. We develop the Emergy Analysis method with the InVEST Habitat Quality model, and utilize it to analyze and map the ecological effectiveness. This paper gives an example to assessing the cost-effectiveness of different PES programs. Based on the analysis, LPE strategy led to improved ecological effectiveness, lower cost and greater cost-effectiveness. The collective PES has lower cost than general PES. However, they demonstrate equal ecological effectiveness. Based on these outcomes, we analyze the factors that influence PES programs' cost-effectiveness, including collective or group, market-based mechanism, economic incentive, transaction cost, contract scale etc. We conclude that minimal number of intermediaries, community/collective support and involvement constitute the key factors in improving the cost-effectiveness of ecological programs. However, we acknowledge the need for further studies on the subject. • The paper develop Emergy Analysis method with the InVEST Habitat Quality model. • Analysis the cost-effectiveness of different kinds of PES programs. • The research supports the function of community/collective for ecological programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids are an attractive way to deal with energy depletion and environmental deterioration as well as grid pressure. However, the energy configurations of microgrids comprising various uncertain and variable resources are significantly sophisticated. Focusing on the peak shaving ability and carbon reduction effect of microgrids, this paper proposes a multi-criteria evaluation method that aims to maximize the comprehensive value of microgrids. To unify these criteria with different perspectives when solving the optimization problem, the peak shaving and emission reduction effects are converted into economies through peak load cost and carbon tax rather than using the weighting method. The results of a case study in Higashida, Japan obviously evidenced the superiority of multi-objective optimization. Although the improvement of the peak shaving ability and emission reduction effect was partially at the expense of system cost benefit, the total cost under multi-criteria was still reduced by 2.13%, which indicates that the balance and optimization of the economic benefit, peak shaving and carbon reduction were realized. The effect of each evaluation criterion on the optimal configuration was analyzed by comparing the optimization results under objective functions with different criteria combinations. High requirements for carbon reduction can promote the development of renewable energy, and peak shaving ability should be ensured by controllable and stable power generators. • Analyze the characteristics of grid load for five multi-types buildings in Japan. • Propose evaluation criteria including, economic, peak shaving and CO 2 emission. • Introducing peak load price and CO 2 tax, evaluation criteria are converted into cost. • The configuration of microgrid is optimized quantitatively under multi-evaluation. • Effect of each criterion is carried out by comparing different criteria combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of net zero energy building (NZEB) has attracted worldwide attention and has the potential to achieve significant energy and emissions reductions. Various technical strategies have been demonstrated to be able to achieve the net-zero-energy target. However, this issue becomes more complex when the economic performances of these strategies are considered. Although studies on the economic performance of NZEBs can be found in the literature, gaps in the research still exist. This paper presents a systematic methodology that combines life cycle cost analysis, benefit-cost analysis, and dynamic building performance simulation to effectively evaluate the economic performance of individual NZEB technologies and holistic technical strategies and determine the most economically competitive options. To demonstrate the application and validity of the methodology, a case study of office buildings in the Yangtze River Delta region of China is presented. Although this case study is ad hoc, the proposed methodology is applicable to buildings of other types and in other regions as long as the climatic and economic conditions are known. • A methodology for developing economically efficient NZEB strategies is proposed. • The methodology combines building energy simulation, LCC and benefit-cost analysis. • A prototype of office buildings in the Yangtze River Delta region is established. • Economically competitive NZEB strategies for the prototype building are developed. • Without extra rooftop PV, designing the prototype as NZEB is economically inviable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photovoltaic poverty alleviation project (PPAP), as an integration of solar photovoltaics and poverty alleviation, has gained great attention since it was proposed in China. So far, four different modes of PPAP have been formed - household level, village level, jointly-village level, and centralized PPAP. A comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of different PPAP modes is essential to achieve the aim of getting rid of poverty in Chinese rural areas and to provide references for other developing countries. Therefore, this paper, for the first time, evaluates the economic performance of PPAP under the four modes. By employing cost-benefit analysis, this research elaborates on the effectiveness of PPAP from three aspects – cashflow, net present value, and payback period. The results show that the village level and the jointly-village level PPAP are the most effective modes. However, due to the overplus of installed capacity per household, the centralized PPAP, which is in line with the local governments' income, becomes the most popular mode. Besides, bank loans can significantly increase the number of benefited households, and the beneficiary ratio is critical to the effectiveness of corporations' participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion of nitrogen and phosphorus represents a significant problem. Two real high strength wastewaters were treated by Thermophilic Aerobic Membrane Reactor (TAMR), an advanced biological process, obtaining significant removal of pollutants. Unlike the previous works, this paper does not focus on the optimization of the performance of the TAMR, but it studied the possible reuses of liquid (permeate) and solid (biological excess sludge) matrices to recover organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus and promote a circular economy model. The high nitrogen content of permeate can be exploited stripping ammonia with performances higher than 80% in best conditions to produce ammonium sulphate (useful as fertilizer). Moreover, the respiromeric tests demonstrated that permeate can be used in conventional active sludge systems as external source of organic carbon granting similar denitrification rate as methanol. In the sludge residue extracted from TAMR a significant presence of organic carbon and phosphorus (as hydroxyapatite) were revealed demonstrating the feasibility of recover this residue in land application. A preliminary management costs estimation showed that TAMR, coupled with a stripping and adsorption system to recover nutrients, is economically sustainable. Image 1 • Chemical oxygen demand (42–78%) and phosphorus (70–79%) were removed. • More than 80% of ammonia in permeate can be stripped to produce ammonium sulphate. • Permeate and methanol allow similar denitrification rate. • Hydroxyapatite was detected in sludge of thermophilic aerobic membrane reactor. • Preliminary management costs analysis highlights the economic feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformation in the smallholder agricultural sector towards more sustainable and cleaner production systems is needed in Southern Africa. Climate-smart agriculture could be an opportunity in this respect. The paper presents a cost-benefit analysis of the public investment program to promote climate-smart agriculture in Lesotho. Economic profitability of investing in such program in nationwide crop, livestock and aquaculture smallholders' production is assessed, considering costs and benefits at private level and those that accrue to society. Given uncertainty about the future, a development pathway commercially oriented is compared with a pathway aimed at increasing households' capacity to adapt their farming systems to the changing climate. Investment returns are above the opportunity cost of capital, under both pathways, indicating the convenience for farmers and the whole society in investing in climate-smart agriculture. The program also leads to a decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions' intensity, positively contributing to climate change mitigation. The economic evaluation of the carbon-balance increases societal profitability of the investment program. • Climate-smart farming increases smallholder households' income in Southern Africa. • Investing in climate-smart production generates profitable returns to the society. • Benefit-cost analysis can orient climate-smart agriculture policy planning. • Including economic evaluation of Carbon-benefits increases societal convenience. • Farmers actualize agriculture sector's sustainable transformation and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic food waste (DFW) is an important policy issue because it represents inefficiencies in supply chains and consumption behaviour, creates pressures on urban landfills, and causes downstream environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and odour from landfills. However, the evaluation of proposals to minimise or treat food waste, such as through separate disposal streams, is difficult because those impacts are not registered through normal market price signals. This paper presents non-market valuations for a hypothetical kerbside DFW collection service from a survey of households in two local government areas in the Central Queensland region, Australia. Choice modelling (CM) and contingent valuation methods (CVM) were employed to elicit potential participation and estimate willingness to pay (WTP) of the community for a domestic food waste collection service. Latent class analysis results for the sub-groups supporting an improvement option revealed that cost, odour and fortnightly collection frequency limit both WTP for and participation in the potential kerbside collection program. While there was support because it would extend the lifespans of the local landfills, potential reduction of methane emissions was not a strong driver. No difference in support or willingness to pay could be identified between the two local government populations. While the CVM results showed a WTP of $30.42 and a 58% participation rate for the proposed option, the latent class models showed that potential participation and willingness to pay varied across negative, indifference and positive sub-samples. This study provides a useful example of how a new policy option to improve waste management at a local area level might be evaluated, where the willingness to pay estimates can be factored into a benefit cost analysis and the estimates of likely support or opposition can be inputted into a political economy framework. • The study assessed household preferences to reduce domestic food waste. • Stated preference experiments were used to estimate WTP for reduction options. • Behavioural and attitudinal factors were important in explaining choices. • Two-stage contingent valuation models estimated both participation and WTP. • Latent class analysis models were used to classify responses to key attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closed-loop supply chain network design (CLSCND) has been increasingly spotlighted over the latest decade. The focus has been given to maximize the economic performance, resource utilization and sustainability through incorporating a holistic decision-making on both forward and reverse logistics. In this paper, a new fuzzy-stochastic multi-objective mathematical model is formulated for sustainable CLSCND. The model aims at balancing the trade-off between cost effectiveness and environmental performance under different types of uncertainty. The environmental performance of CLSCND is measured by carbon emission. Moreover, the network flexibility is modeled and incorporated in the decision-making so that customer demands can be fulfilled by different means. In order to solve the complex optimization problem, the model is first defuzzilized and converted into an equivalent crisp form. Then, a sample average approximation based weighting method (SAAWM) is developed to obtain a set of Pareto optimal solutions between cost and carbon emission under different uncertain environments. The model is validated through a set of numerical experiments. The computational results show, through the incorporation with network flexibility, the proposed mathematical model and solution approach can effectively generate consistent objective values and solutions over different scenario trees and obtain robust strategic decisions on facility locations. Meanwhile, the flexibility and rationality of the decision-making on transportation management, demand allocation and facility operations can be improved as well. • We formulate a new fuzzy-stochastic multi-objective model for sustainable design of a closed-loop supply chain. • We develop a new solution approach to solve the optimization problem. • We obtain both modelling and managerial implications from computational experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]