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Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals are proposed by the Chinese government, which aims to reach the highest level of CO 2 emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. It is of great significance to accelerate green production and lead high-quality development. Energy carbon emissions account for 88% of total CO 2 emissions, while forest carbon sequestration account for 80% of China's terrestrial ecosystems. In this paper, we analyzed the spatial and temporal evolutions of industrial energy consumption carbon emissions and forest carbon sequestration of Hubei Province, then demonstrated the offsetting effect of forest carbon sequestration on the industrial CO 2 emissions. Our results documented energy carbon emissions and forest carbon sequestration in Hubei Province both increased from 2000 to 2020, with the growth rates of 4.9423 Mt/yr and 0.28015 Mt/yr. Forest carbon sequestration could offset energy carbon emissions before 2005, while the offsetting effect was weak due to the continuous increase in industrial energy consumption after 2005. Significant spatial heterogeneity was observed in both energy carbon emissions and forest carbon sequestration. Wuhan had the biggest carbon emission with annual average carbon emission of about 20.046 Mt, while Enshi had the biggest carbon sequestration with annual average forest carbon sequestration of about 14.411 Mt. Spatial autocorrelation between energy carbon emissions and forest carbon sequestration was significant in Hubei Province in the past two decades. Our findings provided evidence that local-scale forest carbon sequestration could offset carbon emissions caused by industrial energy consumption at a certain extent, helping to draw up the scientific energy-saving and emissions-reducing measures. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale integration of non-dispatchable renewable energy must be carefully planned, especially in poorly robust electrical energy systems. Tenerife is the most populated of the islands in the Canary Archipelago (Spain) and has an isolated electrical system. It is envisaged for the horizon of 2040 that the island will have a high contribution of non-dispatchable renewable energies (fundamentally wind and solar photovoltaic). Tenerife also has exploitable high enthalpy geothermal resources. An energy planning model is implemented in this paper based on which different scenarios with high non-dispatchable renewable energy penetration in the island's electrical system are simulated. Geothermal energy is also incorporated in the simulations as a dispatchable renewable energy source, with the power required sized according to the hypotheses of each scenario. The results are compared according to different technical and economic parameters. An evaluation is also made of the influence that the capacity of the electrical system to take on higher non-dispatchable renewable power and the presence of energy accumulation systems might have on the minimization of losses in the non-dispatchable renewable energy capacity factor. The results of the simulated scenarios show that geothermal energy could meet up to 28.8% of the island's electrical energy demand, increasing the stability, flexibility and supply guarantee of system. A 100% renewable system could be possible through the incorporation of this energy source and the planning of energy accumulation systems. In the case study, the economic saving for Spain's electrical system could exceed 400 €million per year. • Sustainable electricity generation in poorly robust insular electrical systems. • Large-scale integration management of non-dispatchable renewable energies (NDREs). • Exploitation of geothermal energy in 100% renewable electrical systems. • Importance of energy accumulation systems in NDRE integration. • LCOE decrease through exploitation of renewable energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meeting energy needs and ensuring ecological sustainability are important tasks for policymakers. In particular, changing the energy mix used in daily electricity generation can have a major effect on ecological conditions, and this is a previously neglected research topic. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the influence of daily electricity generation from nuclear power and renewables on the achievement of carbon neutrality targets in the four largest nuclear power countries (i.e., the U.S., China, France, and Russia). The study applies the wavelet-transform coherence (WTC), quantile-on-quantile regression (QQR), and Granger causality in quantiles (GCQ) approaches for the period from January 2, 2019 to December 29, 2022. The outcomes present that electricity generation from nuclear energy reduces carbon (CO 2) emissions only in Russia, while hydropower generation does not contribute to CO 2 emission reduction in any country. Solar electricity generation decreases CO 2 emissions in different quantiles in the U.S. and Russia, while electricity generation from wind power reduces CO 2 emissions in the U.S. and France. The empirical outcomes also reveal that expanding solar, wind, and nuclear power in the energy mix can enhance the potential of the U.S., France, and Russia to achieve carbon neutrality and secure a sustainable future. However, China is using nuclear and renewables inefficiently regarding carbon neutrality. Therefore, the empirical evidence for China is highly controversial compared to former studies. [Display omitted] • The study examines renewable and nuclear electricity effect on carbon neutrality. • The study focuses on top four major nuclear power countries. • The study applies nonlinear approaches by using high-frequency (daily) data. • Renewable and nuclear electricity have time, frequency, & quantile-varying effect. • The best electricity source change according to each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, some piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEH) have been widely used in various small wireless electronic devices and micro intelligent sensing devices for self-power supply, but PEH still needs to be further improved in the effective acquisition of road vibration energy at low frequency (<10 Hz), especially at ultra-low frequency (<5 Hz) and broadening the capture energy band. Based on this, this paper proposes a hybrid piezo-electromagnetic road vibration energy harvesting device -TPEH (Triple piezoelectric energy harvester) suitable for road deceleration belts. Spring is introduced as the key to improve the efficiency of energy harvesting. Firstly, the vibration environment of the deceleration belts is surveyed, and then the influence of different K , frequencies, vehicle types and impedance on the energy capture effect is observed in the experiment. The experimental results show that: first of all, K = 20 N/kg main spring has the best resilience; Secondly, with the increase of excitation frequency from 0 Hz to 10 Hz, the maximum peak voltage of TPEH increases from 5.7V to 31.2V, and reaches the full bandwidth in the low frequency range of 0–10 Hz, especially the frequency band widening in the range of 0–1 Hz has ma de a breakthrough. Then, the total output power of TPEH reaches a maximum of 10.29 mW under the optimal load condition of 10 kΩ. Finally, TPEH is applied to the speed strip of a local road section. Through reasonable distribution of vibration signals, TPEH could accurately wireless communication module. [Display omitted] • Adopt hybrid dual harvest mechanism to improve performance. • Use vibration superposition mechanism to amplify power. • Full bandwidth in the low frequency range 0–10Hz. • Break through 0–1Hz ultra-low frequency range. • Complete vehicle detection by combining signal transmission technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies include four stages to assess the environmental impact of a product or process. These four stages are scope definition, life cycle inventory (LCI), life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) and interpretation of results. Data collection for the LCI requires substantial effort and may be considered the most critical phase of a LCA, as poor data availability and inconsistency of data may lead to unrealistic results and conclusions. In machine tools, this inventory definition effort is amplified by the inherent complexity of machine tools and their operational behaviour alternatives. This paper describes a LCI method for machine tools providing a new procedure, which improves the transparency and consistency of LCA data. The method is partially based on the developments and strategies described in the draft standard ISO/DIS 14955-1. In this paper, a detailed description of the new method is presented along with the demonstration of its applicability by its implementation in two different manufacturing cases. One of the cases involves the manufacturing of an aeronautic part, while the other case relates to a part manufactured for the household sector. The environmental impact of these two parts, which are produced by a traditional process and by an alternative process is considered, thus it is demonstrated that LCI method as part of a LCA, can be used as a decision support tool to assess the lifecycle impact of the manufacturing of a product using machine tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing energy demand in manufacture is an urgent challenge. This challenge is driven by higher consumer demand for manufactured products, increasing electricity and energy prices, volatility and uncertainty in energy supply and national policy. These factors, together with a need to reduce energy consumption derived carbon dioxide emissions, strategically call for energy efficient manufacturing. In manufacturing processes, especially mechanical machining, more than 90% of environmental impact arises from direct electrical energy demand in machine tools. At the machine tool level, the biggest share of the electrical energy associated with mechanical machining is required to bring the machine to a ready state and support non-cutting operations such as spindle torque requirements, auxiliary units and movements. These activities are controlled and related to machine commands such as NC codes. In this paper comprehensive information on energy intensity in machining process, including the influence of tool wear, was studied. Key energy states were identified to build up an energy demand for machining components. The paper defines the essential power constants for a database that can assist energy prediction for any available machines and workpiece materials. The assessment of alternative toolpaths identified major opportunities for energy demand reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A key factor deciding the capacity to increase the sustainability of final products is the energy efficiency. The energy embodied in a product is an aggregation of all of the energy embodied in the products' components and subsystems, expended through its manufacturing processes and logistical activities. Currently, accurate estimation of this energy metric is hindered due to the unavailability of energy use data traceable to individual processes and equipment associated with the product's assembly. In this paper, we propose using minimally-required energy to compute energy efficiency of a product assembly process. Based on the proposed approach, efficiency metrics established on the process, product, material and equipment characteristics have been presented at the assembly activity and equipment level. A case study has been presented for a hybrid laser welding process to demonstrate the computational methods used to arrive at these efficiency metrics. Major contributions of this paper are the metrics development and exemplifying the metrics through an actual assembly process (hybrid laser welding) case study. We will explain how these metrics can provide industries with a capability to identify opportunities to improve their sustainability performance across their assembly processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rapid economic development of industrial cities has led to a significant increase in energy consumption and carbon emissions in China. Through the log-mean Divisia index decomposition method and the cluster analysis method, this paper provides a systematic method to (1) analyze the time series of carbon emissions from the energy consumption of the industrial sector in a city; (2) explore the main factors affecting carbon emissions; and (3) divide industries in a city into different types and analyze combination features of “emissions–efficiency”. Finally, this paper takes Tianjin as an example, and studies the emissions characteristics of Tianjin. Results show that high-emission and low-efficiency industries play important roles in the development and economic growth of industries in Tianjin, improvements in energy utilization efficiency are the most important contributors to effective industrial energy conservation and emission reductions in Tianjin, and that the method developed in this paper is practical in the analysis of carbon emissions characteristics of an industrial city or region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is a need for higher education to cultivate deep knowledge and skills in the ever-evolving area of sustainability. This paper explores one strategy for teaching Product Design Engineering students Design for Environment. A critical aspect is the connection between an industry partner, MicroHeat Technologies, who have developed water and energy efficient point of use water heating technology, and undergraduate students from Swinburne University with competencies in both design and engineering. This paper documents how students can explore Design for Environment strategies in a project based learning environment, verifying and quantifying environmental gains throughout the design process from concept to detailed design proposal. Engineering methods such as whole systems design and life cycle assessment were used to better equip these student designers with the tools to quantify the benefits of proposed designs in relation to sustainability. The student group was introduced to the MicroHeat technology, which has the capacity to be at the forefront of Design for Environment, the authenticity of which was used to enhance student engagement levels. The project successes were demonstrated by exceeding the industry partner expectations in terms of the breadth and high resolution of outcomes, detail for manufacture and usability. The student work revealed how higher education tied to industry innovation could prepare students to contribute to curtailing the ecological crisis when based in industry, in this case by integrating credible technology options with effective Design for Environment methodology into the design process and outcomes. These results strengthen the case for educators in sustainability to explore industry-based partnerships for cross-disciplinary student projects, with the course now running for a fourth successive year. In consultation with students and the industry partner, Swinburne staff members continue to refine the curriculum, to improve outcomes both from a project and pedagogical perspective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A comprehensive understanding of the impact of renewable/non-renewable energy consumption on ecological quality and economic growth can serve to the sustainability of energy, ecology, and economy. This paper provides a new perspective of the comprehensive system of the 3E model, and introduces indicator of social factor to examine the non-linear effects of urbanization on energy, economy, and the environment. A threshold panel regression model is developed using the data of 120 countries in the last 20 years. In the proposed model, renewable energy and non-renewable energy are explanatory variables, economic growth and ecological footprint are explained variables, and urbanization are threshold variable. Non-linear relationships are concretized and quantified in the research of global and different income groups. The results show that global renewable energy can promote economic growth while improving the environment. As the urbanization rate increases, the negative effect of renewable energy on the ecological footprint first weakens and then increases, and the positive coefficient on the economy maintains a growth trend. Non-renewable energy has a more obvious positive effect on economic growth, but it increases the ecological footprint. The development of urbanization strengthens its promotion of the economy and reduces its pressure on the environment. From the perspective of different income groups, renewable energy does not always suppress the ecological footprint. The energy transition reduces economic growth in the initial stages of urbanization in certain regions. After crossing the threshold, the coefficient changes of different income groups have similarities and differences. Based on the conclusions, some recommendations are put forward, including promoting the transformation of energy consumption structure, improving energy efficiency and accelerating the process of urbanization. The model in this paper is suitable for investigating the nonlinear impact of urbanization on the 3E system through panel data, and can provide theoretical support for studying the threshold effect of a country or economy. This study also shows the importance of renewable energy and the indirect effects of urbanization, which is helpful for formulating global sustainable and coordinated development policies. [Display omitted] • A new perspective of the energy-economy-environment (3E) model is proposed. • Threshold models enable the non-linear relationships to be concretized and quantified. • Global renewable energy improves the environment while promoting economic growth. • Urbanization reduces the pressure on the environment from energy consumption. • Urbanization strengthens the positive effect of energy on economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alleviating energy poverty is a significant issue in many countries, for which effective energy poverty measurement is the prerequisite. This paper seeks to make a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the energy poverty performance of 30 provinces in China for 11-year period (2007–2017) by emphasizing their spatial-temporal changes. The paper firstly constructed energy poverty measurement conceptual framework based on overviewing previous studies. Secondly, a technique based on the integrated fuzzy DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) and Data Envelopment Analysis - Assurance Region (DEA-AR) for performance assessment was proposed. Then, the energy poverty performance was assessed, and clustering analysis was conducted to investigate the spatial-temporal changes of energy poverty in China. Finally, sensitivity analysis was applied for verifying the robustness of the proposed method. It is found that the energy poverty condition in China tends to be similar among most regions, but the gap between the best and worst performers gets wider. In addition, provinces with better economic conditions, have higher performance and are classified into the progressive group for alleviating energy poverty. On the contrary, provinces, whose economy lags, have regressed the most and are also the worst performers in reducing energy poverty. Thus, policies to improve household energy cleanability in high-income provinces and increase energy affordability in low-income regions would help reduce energy poverty in China. • A comprehensive energy poverty assessment framework was proposed. • An integrated Fuzzy DEMATEL/DEA-AR was proposed to evaluate the performance. • The comparison between the proposed Fuzzy DEMATEL/DEA-AR model and conventional DEA was conducted. • Spatial and temporal analysis of energy poverty performance in China was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the energy savings and load flexibility capacity of phase change material (PCM) integrated into building envelope under a future energy generation scenario, where 80% of the energy load comes from renewable sources. Using community-scale modeling, we first determine the net thermal storage required to fully manage the demand variability at a utility grid, and then using whole-building simulations we optimize operating parameters—such as PCM thickness, latent heat, interior setpoint profile, PCM distribution, and heat transfer coefficient—to determine the optimal conditions required for maximum energy reduction and load flexibility without compromising occupants' thermal comfort. The optimal PCM-integrated envelope proposed in this study can provide annual load flexibility up to 33.6% and annual energy savings up to 10.8% in a lightweight residential building located in Baltimore, MD. This study is relevant given the increasing contributions of renewable energy in the total energy generation mix, leading to a significant time-imbalance between peak energy demand and peak energy production. While thermal energy storage using PCM is a recognized technique, there is no known prior study dedicated to examining the thermal performance of PCM-integrated envelope under future energy generation scenarios. This study bridges the research gap by investigating a practical way to implement PCMs in the buildings and maximize the energy efficiency as well as load flexibility related benefits. • Paper studies benefits of PCM-integrated buildings under future energy scenarios. • Operating parameters including PCM thermophysical properties are optimized. • Annual load flexibility up to 33.6% and energy savings up to 10.8% are achieved. • Study is essential to reduce time-imbalance between peak energy demand and supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promotion of modern industrialization has caused heavy environmental pollution. Environmental protection is a basic national policy of China. In 2011, China began to implement the "Twelfth Five-Year Plan for National Environmental Protection" (12th FYP_NEP). Using the survey data of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Shandong Province of China, this paper empirically explores the impact of 12th FYP_NEP on the energy utilization and operating efficiencies of SMEs. It is found that the environmental policy "12th FYP_NEP" has a significant incentive effect on both efficiency performance of Chinese SMEs, and has a greater positive impact on operating efficiency. Our heterogeneity analysis showed the following results. The incentive effect is different in different industries and enterprises of different sizes. The policy "12th FYP_NEP" has a greater positive impact on the energy utilization efficiency of SMEs in China's first and second tier cities, but it has no significant impact on their operation efficiency. This shows that SMEs in first and second tier cities are more effective in coping with the national environmental policy reform strategy. It can be seen that the promulgation of China's environmental policies can significantly improve the energy utilization awareness of these SMEs. The incentive effect of the policy on the two efficiency performances of SMEs in cities with "heavy air pollution" is greater, indicating that the implementation effect of "12th FYP_NEP" on SMEs in such cities is better. The enlightenments are as follows: the current situation of Chinese SMEs is that the energy utilization efficiency is low, while the operating efficiency is high. Most enterprises attach great importance to their own operating profits and economic development, and the awareness of energy utilization needs to be greatly strengthened. "12th FYP_NEP" has obvious positive effect on the energy utilization and operating efficiencies of SMEs, but there are slight differences among different types of enterprises. It is suggested that governments can refine their own environmental regulation standards and implement different environmental regulations for different types of enterprises, so as to enhance the performance of domestic enterprises most effectively. • This paper used the China survey data on SMEs over the period 2010–2013. • It is found that the Chinese "12th FYP_NEP" has a significant incentive effect on efficiency performance of Chinese SMEs. • The incentive effect is different in different industries and enterprises of different sizes. • The policy makes for improving the energy efficiency of SMEs in first and second-tier cities and heavy-polluted cities. • Chinese SMEs should attach great importance to energy utilization rather than operating profits only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper analyses the cost effectiveness of the implementation of some of the Best Available Technologies (BATs) and Innovative Technologies (ITs) in the European industry up to 2030. This is done using a bottom-up model that considers the main processes involved in each facility. The model described in the paper assumes the retrofitting/upgrade of each European facility with a BAT or IT as soon as the criterion for a capital budgeting decision is met. The paper details the effect on the savings in energy and CO2 emissions by European industry, assuming different levels of requirement in the payback period used as main capital-budgeting decision criterion. This approach reveals the full potential that some technologies under research (as the ones considered in the Ultra–Low CO2 Steelmaking project and Carbon Capture and Storage technologies, as well as other technologies that are not widely deployed (Direct Reduced Iron technologies), may have in the European industry. The starting point of the simulation is adjusted so that the CO2 emissions of each facility in the model have a counterpart in the emissions recorded for the benchmarking exercise of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. The results show that, by 2030, for a payback period of two years, the margin of improvement in CO2 emissions is around 20%. Whereas, by 2030, for a payback period of six years, the margin of improvement in CO2 emissions is in the range between 50% and 65%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The EU has established so-called 20–20–20 targets, which in relation to energy mean that each Member State shall improve energy intensity levels by 3.3% annually, leading to a reduced primary energy use of 20% by the year 2020, calculated from a projected level based on the primary energy use in 2005. Sweden has established a less ambitious target of 1.7% annual energy intensity improvement through 2020. The aim of this paper is to evaluate, ex-ante, the EU 2020 primary energy target for the Swedish industrial sector. An applied backcasting methodology is used. The assessment made in this paper is that actions that lead to between 31.6 and 33.2 TWh/year reductions in energy end-use are needed if the EU target is to be achieved. Results from this paper shows that the current energy policy instruments are not sufficient to the EU or Swedish targets. Estimations in this paper are that a primary energy target of about 22.3 TWh/year is reasonable. The paper concludes by presenting a roadmap on how the Swedish 2020 target can be achieved through: i) energy management; ii) energy-efficient technology; and iii) energy supply measures, with an approximate cost of 280–300 MEUR or 75–80 kWh per public EUR. Three major additional policy measures are needed compared with the current policy: including all energy carriers, not just electricity, in the Swedish long-term agreements program PFE; setting up networks; and making it possible for third parties, i.e., industry, to deliver excess heat into the monopolized Swedish district heating grids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Current attempts to encourage sustainable consumption are failing to make significant advancements and consumption by households in daily practices continues to grow. Interventions in this area are often based on simplistic behavioural assumptions, which overlook the embeddedness of daily consumption practices and fail to challenge escalating consumption demands and expectations. Against this background there is a need to consider more radical socio-cultural, technological and organisational innovations that may fulfil the goals of daily practices more sustainably in the future. Taking the case of home heating, the most energy intensive practice in Irish households, this paper reports on a participatory backcasting study that developed future scenarios and action plans for sustainable heating. In contrast to conventional behavioural change models and forecasting techniques, this study adopted a social practice orientation. This paper focuses on the operationalisation of the social practice approach with special reference to the iterative processes around scenario development and the resultant backcasting outputs. Participant evaluations of the procedure are presented which indicate that despite significant operational complexity, the process was strongly valued and provided significant opportunity for learning amongst stakeholders involved. Whether such approaches can be integrated into governing systems, however will depend on a willingness amongst stakeholders to embrace a radical reconceptualisation of behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Within the field of sustainable development, collaborative and interdisciplinary actions are imperative for the development and implementation of proactive holistic renovation solutions. In an attempt to enhance cross-disciplinary and inter-organisational knowledge sharing, a project aimed at developing an arena for sharing knowledge pertaining to energy-efficient renovations of multi-family buildings was initiated. The authors have followed the development and implementation of this knowledge arena over a period of three years. The aim of this paper is to understand how knowledge sharing between different professional groups and practices may be facilitated: in this case between various research organisations, municipal housing companies, energy suppliers and governmental organisations. Specific focus has been on identifying mechanisms for interaction and knowledge sharing between actors that normally do not meet in their everyday practice. The theoretical approach adopted concerns social processes related to the sharing of knowledge in and between organisations and professional groups and individuals. Findings show that in the arena knowledge was mainly shared within a pilot project where researchers and practitioners were jointly engaged in the planning and renovation of a building. Interaction within the arena was enabled by the individuals' mutual willingness to adapt and attempt to translate the disciplinary discourses and modes of communication of researchers and of practitioner specialists. Moreover, the motivation to share knowledge was related to their expectations of, and invested interest in, various arena activities. By empirically highlighting the facilitators and hindrances for knowledge-sharing in an arena for cleaner production, the paper contributes to increased understanding of inter-disciplinary communication and collaborative interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Even enterprises with very advanced management systems seldom monitor efficiency of energy usage and materials flows within their processes and have, therefore, difficulty to effectively manage their resource efficiency. This paper is built upon experiences from a pilot implementation of a new tool for promotion of energy management and cleaner production, developed within the Energy Management and Performance Related Savings Scheme project to promote an effective energy management system in industrial enterprises. The combination of soft managerial approaches (Monitoring and Targeting technical services) with financing provided on a no cure, no pay basis provided by Energy Service Companies, is the foundation for this new tool for promotion of energy management and cleaner production on no cure, no pay basis. It enabled us to test the introduction of cleaner production projects with no technical or financial risks for enterprises or for the need of financing from the side of the enterprises. Consequently, it removed some of the important barriers for implementing cleaner production. This paper distinguishes between auditing and accounting approaches in the promotion of cleaner production and argues that auditing approaches are not sufficient for completion of the learning needed for integration of cleaner production into the practice of an enterprise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The belief that it is possible to have a perpetual “economic growth” based on fossil energy has been challenged since the 1970s. However, only in the last decade is this issue re-emerging once again because of the predicaments of climate change and peak oil. Many, finally start to perceive that an “economic degrowth” entailing a downscaling of the current size and pattern of socio-economic systems seem unavoidable. In this paper we analyze the implications, the feasibility and the desirability of possible trajectories of downscaling from an energetic perspective. The quantitative analysis is based on the methodological approach of societal metabolism, and it provides a dynamic accounting of the profile of energy flows required and consumed by societies in relation the expression of a given set of societal functions. This analysis makes it possible to check two types of constraints: external constraints (supply and sink side limits for the whole) and internal constraints (the feasibility of energy budget of the various parts of the society expressing the required functions). The analysis of the metabolic pattern of a sample of developed countries is used to discuss possible implications of: (i) demographic changes; (ii) the declining supply of net energy sources, and (iii) the effects of the Jevons'' Paradox. Within such an analysis, a few assumptions and recipes of the degrowth movement seem problematic: (i) population is and will remain as a relevant variable to be considered; (ii) the proposed reduction in working hours seem to be impractical unless a major catastrophe will reset current civilization to pre-industrial standards; and (iii) voluntary reduction of personal energy consumption, even if a welcome adjustment, alone will not solve the existing problems. In the final part of the paper, future energetic road maps are questioned within the realm of post-normal science. Can we “plan” degrowth? If we are serious about the need of doing “something completely different”, societies will have to learn how to deliberate under uncertainty within the realms of flexible management and stop planning for either growth or degrowth. Moreover, before suggesting policies, it would be wise first to try to understand the option space. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to increasing energy scarcity and pressures from climate change, Chinese iron & steel (IS) companies have struggled to implement practices to reduce their energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, it is not clear whether these practices can improve the environmental or economic performance of these companies. The determinants that drive or hinder the implementation of these practices are also not known. Therefore, this paper describes an empirical analysis of a total of 85 questionnaires of various IS companies across China. A regression analysis was applied in this paper to verify the relationship among CO2 reduction practices, determinants and performance as reported by the IS companies. The results show that although some CO2 reduction practices can result in significant environmental performance, their impacts on the improvement of economic performance are less clear. The paper discusses some implications regarding strategies for prompting CO2 reduction practices that have been considered during the discussion about the determinants that impact on the practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sustainability and sustainable production is nowadays a wide research field due the urgency of reducing environmental burdens of industrial production. Sustainable manufacturing issues are widely investigated too. In particular, due to the relevance such issues assume for automotive and aeronautical industry, the investigation of sheet metal forming processes sustainability is worth studying and, within this research fields, a certain lack of knowledge is still present. Many studies have been presented concerning the evaluation and reduction of environmental burdens in manufacturing. In this paper, the authors focus on sheet metal forming and aim to investigate both the efficient use of materials and process energy saving. The paper presents a sensitivity analysis which is based on experimental and numerical data. A traditional forming process (stamping) is numerically analyzed to determine process energy and also the amount of material utilized for the initial blank. An experimental campaign was instead developed on an incremental forming operation and energy measurements were obtained. Both the processes were carried out using two different aluminum alloys and two different sheet thickness values. Furthermore, two final component geometries were investigated for both of the processes. The analysis reached the conclusion that the investigated processes are quite different to each other as their environmental impact is concerned since both the required process energy and the possible material savings are rather different for the two operations. The obtained results allowed to formulate some comparison guidelines as sustainability of the investigated operations is concerned. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In synthesizing optimal heat recovery networks, Composite Curve (CC) plots and Problem Table Algorithms (PTAs) have been the most popular tools for determining the minimum energy targets, whereas Grid Diagrams (GDs) have been widely utilized for heat exchanger network (HEN) design. However, CCs are cumbersome to construct. Additionally, PTAs offer numerical advantages but little insight into the impact of process streams on pinch points and heat recovery bottlenecks. Meanwhile, GDs are separately needed to diagnose HEN pinch rule violations. This paper introduces the Grid Diagram Table (GDT) as an alternative tool for determining pinch points and utility targets as well as for the retrofitting of HEN. The GDT combines numerical and visualization advantages into a single diagram. The GDT, which is represented according to a stream interval temperature scale and is developed based on fundamental Composite Curve geometry, can provide vital information during the identification of the pinch points and energy targets of a process as well as enhance the intuitive visualization of pinch rule violations that are especially useful for the rapid and effective debottlenecking of an existing heat recovery system to maximize its thermal energy efficiency. This paper also demonstrates the application of the GDT in addressing a single-pinch problem, multiple-pinch problem and an industrial case study involving a palm oil refinery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing global carbon (CO 2) emission. This paper builds a RER (renewable energy consumption rate) index to represent the energy structure of a country and proposes a U-shaped RKC (renewable energy Kuznets Curve) hypothesis between RER and economic growth. We also examine the dynamic relationship between RER and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis using two panel data sets of 17 major developing and developed countries as well as six geo-economic regions of the world during 1990–2014. Panel co-integration tests indicate that a long-run relationship exists among economic growth, RER and carbon emission. We employ the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) techniques to estimate the co-integration coefficients of the panels and individual countries/regions respectively. The results verify both the EKC and RKC hypotheses, indicating that a 10% rise in RER would to a 1.6% carbon emission reduction. It is also found that the RKC turning points of individual countries and the entire samples in general take place before the turning points of the respective EKCs. It suggests that promoting renewable energy consumption to make RKC cross its turning point earlier can accelerate EKC to reach its turning point more quickly. This finding has important policy implications with respect to the development and utilization of renewable energy and environmental protection. The dynamic relationship between EKC and RKC. Image 1 • We examined the relationship between renewable energy and GDP. • A U-shaped curve exists between GDP and renewable energy consumption. • The turning points of RKCs take place earlier than that of the EKCs. • Promoting RKC arrive its turning point in advance can accelerate EKC to reach its turning point more quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable hydraulic system is proposed to cool the slurry manure and mitigate the ammonia emissions of livestock buildings, a major source of environmental pollution. In this paper, analytical and numerical methods are used to evaluate the energy efficiency and the mitigation capability of the hydraulic cooling system. Results show that annual primary energy use of only 6.08 kWh per animal can reduce 5.87 kg of ammonia per animal per year. The system is most efficient for manure with less than 12% total solids content. Results also show that the liquid region above the cooling pipes features one-dimensional transient heat transfer formed by unique flow patterns. A simplified analytical model is derived to predict the surface temperature of liquid manure. The analytical solution shows that the manure surface temperature can be reduced by 7.4 and 12 °C after 2 and 5 h, respectively. The temperature reduction results in up to 37.3% decrease in ammonia emissions with only 0.8% of the total energy use in livestock buildings. • An energy efficient cooling system is proposed to reduce emissions from buildings. • Using primary energy of only 6.08 kWh can reduce 5.87 kg NH3 per animal per year. • The cooling system uses only 0.8% of the total energy use in a livestock building. • The cooling system can reduce up to 37.3% NH3 emissions from livestock buildings. • An analytical model is derived to predict the surface temperature of liquid manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy is an important renewable source with promising development perspectives worldwide. Multi-criteria assessment studies can effectively assist the decision-making process for a profitable implementation of wind energy projects. This paper presents a new comprehensive process for assessing wind power generation based on a multidimensional analysis covering energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental aspects. For comparison purposes, the wind power plant is investigated for two Moroccan coastal zones with substantially different outdoor meteorological conditions. The three-bladed horizontal axis commercialized wind turbine Enercon-48 with a rated power of 800 kW is considered in the analysis. The developed computation tool can predict hourly energy/exergy flows and efficiencies of wind power generation at any location. The Levelized Cost of Electricity and its sensitivity to key financial and operational parameters was investigated as well. A geometrical technique applied to wind power generation was for the first time established to determine the combination of meteorological variables leading to the best compromise between energy efficiency maximization and exergy destruction minimization. Site comparison elucidated that the southern Moroccan zone (Dakhla) allows a higher sustainability index of 1.74 (a 7.4% higher than the predicted value for Tangier) with an LCOE value of 13.42 c$/kWh against 20.95 c$/kWh for Tangier. Environmentally, wind power generation operating in Dakhla has the potential to mitigate up to 42.73 tonnes CO 2 -eq/kW compared to 23.31 CO 2 -eq/kW in Tangier. • 4 E assessment of wind power generation in two Moroccan coastal regions. • Determination of climatic conditions leading to the best energy/exergy efficiencies. • Performance indices are parametrically investigated. • Southern coastal region has a sustainability index of 1.74 for a capacity factor of about 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing studies pay little attention to when or under which conditions foreign direct investment (FDI) can spill energy-saving technologies. From a perspective of energy-biased technical change and using a two-layer nested constant elasticity of substitution (CES) production function, this paper investigates the energy-saving spillover effect of FDI on technical change (i.e., energy-saving spillovers) in China between 2002 and 2015. In particular, we consider the conditions of marketization, industry, technology, and labor mobility to examine whether and when FDI has energy-saving spillovers. The results indicate no income inequality effect, i.e., there is no evidence supporting that FDI flowing into low- and middle-income regions increases energy consumption, while FDI flowing into high-income regions conserves energy. However, there is a condition effect: FDI can improve (support the halo effect) or deteriorate (contradict the halo effect) the environmental performance under different conditions. Moreover, there is a threshold effect: the direction of FDI spillovers varies with the different levels of the threshold variables. An increasing marketization motivates enterprises to select energy-biased technologies. It is more likely to generate energy-saving spillovers in the regions with a lower specialized agglomeration level. FDI will have energy-biased spillovers when domestic technological level is relatively high with an evident energy-biased technology. In addition, a moderate labor mobility is beneficial to the energy-saving spillovers of FDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial sector is characterized by high energy consumption and high carbon emissions. It is of great significance to clarify the determinants of industrial CO 2 emissions for emissions abatement policy making. For this purpose, a comprehensive decomposition framework that can quantify the impacts of both oriented technologies and economic factors on CO 2 emissions is developed. By applying the proposed decomposition framework, this paper investigates the determinants of China's industrial CO 2 emissions. The main findings show that, during the study period, (1) investment scale expansion was the leading factor promoting emissions growth; (2) against our expectations, efforts for energy structure adjustment failed to curb emissions but had marginal promoting effects on emissions growth; (3) energy-oriented and output-oriented technologies were indispensable contributors to emissions mitigation, followed by decreases in investment efficiency, potential energy intensity, and the CO 2 emission coefficient; and (4) energy use efficiency and production efficiency changes usually exerted moderate influences on industrial CO 2 emissions, and their influencing directions were sensitive in different sub-industries and Five-Year Plan periods. In most situations, the inhibiting effects could not counteract the promoting effects. Based on these empirical findings, policy recommendations to further reduce industrial CO 2 emissions are provided. • Empirical analysis was conducted at sub-industries and different FYPs levels. • Investment scale was the leading factor promoting industrial CO 2 emissions. • The technology progress contributed most to emission mitigation. • Driving effects distinctly differed among sub-industries and FYP periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the profit growth of wind power enterprises in China is generally weak, and the phenomenon of "wind curtailment" in some areas is relatively common. The comprehensive evaluation of wind power performance in various regions of China and the study of the driving forces of wind power performance differences in different regions are of great significance for scientific planning and layout of wind power investment. Based on the panel data, this paper combines Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to establish an evaluation model to evaluate the wind power performance of China's 29 provinces and cities from 2011 to 2018. Then uses the evaluation results as input data of Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) prediction model to predict the wind power performance of 2019 in various regions of China under the current policy and environment. Finally, the main factors affecting the performance of China's wind power generation are explored by establishing a regression model. The research results show that at present, the main factors affecting the performance of China's wind power generation are local power consumption capacity, economic development degree and the rate of wind abandonment. On the premise of solving the problem of wind curtailment, appropriately promoting power consumption and renewable energy policy reform, from Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) to a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), are effective means to promote the development of wind power generation in China. Image 1067 • In wind-intensive areas, wind power performance levels are relatively low. • Power consumption capacity and wind curtailment rate are the main influencing factors. • Current policy cannot effectively solve the problem of wind curtailment. • Renewable energy policies with regional differences should be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic press machines (HPMs) are often preferred in metal processing for their high power-to-mass ratio, stiffness, and load capacity. Unfortunately, they are also known for their high energy consumption and low energy efficiency. The mismatch between installed and demanded power is the primary cause of low energy efficiency among HPMs. This paper proposes an energy-saving hydraulic drive system based on the flywheel energy storage system (FESS) to reduce the installed power and improve the energy efficiency. The FESS is used to store redundant energy when the demanded power is less than the installed power. During pressing with slow falling, the stored energy is recycled in combination with an AC motor to work against the heavy load. Furthermore, unlike traditional FESS's, the variable frequency drive (VFD) and specific control algorithm are adopted to improve the energy storage capacity of the FESS, as well as the operation and lifetime of the hydraulic drive system. The proposed method presents the first integration of both VFD and FESS into a hydraulic drive system. Using this method, the low energy efficiency caused by high installed power can be significantly improved, and the negative effects caused by mismatches between the installed and demanded power can be largely mitigated. Finally, a test platform is set up to verify the effectiveness of the proposed hydraulic drive system. The results show that the installed power and energy consumption are reduced by approximately 30% and 40%, respectively, based on the working characteristics of a traditional drive system. • An energy-saving hydraulic drive system based on the flywheel energy storage system and variable frequency control is developed. • The installed power and average energy consumption of the traditional hydraulic press machines can be reduced by 30% and 40%, respectively. • The proposed hydraulic drive system has the same working characteristics and processing properties as the traditional drive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The household sector of China is responsible for 11.7% of national energy consumption and 12.6% of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions in 2015. Thus, revealing the determinants of household CO 2 emissions (HCE) is extremely important for national efforts towards emissions mitigation. In this context, this paper investigates the driving forces behind national and regional HCE changes employing a temporal Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model. It also analyses interregional discrepancies in HCE using a spatial LMDI model. This study decomposes the changes or discrepancies of national and regional HCE from 2000 to 2015 into seven key factors. The temporal analysis indicates that household income is the predominant determinant explaining the increase of HCE, whereas energy intensity is the crucial determinant contributing to the mitigation of HCE. The spatial analysis reveals that the number of households and energy intensity are primary driving forces accountable for growing discrepancies in HCE, followed by household income, energy structure and carbon emission coefficient. The analysis also suggests that resourceful and economically developed regions generally have larger potential for mitigation of HCE. The study concludes with some policy recommendations based on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sectors tend to generate pressure on the environment due to its large amounts of emissions. The aim of this study is to identify critical betweenness sectors and transactions that play an important intermediate role in the supply chain, which can provide additional insights for CO 2 emissions. Based on the input-output and energy consumption data in China, the notion of network centrality and structural path analysis method are employed in this paper to identify critical betweenness sectors and transactions, and then the evolutionary trends of betweenness sectors and transactions are analyzed from 2005 to 2015. The results show that some critical betweenness sectors, such as Metal products sector and Electrical equipment sector, have huge potential for carbon emission reduction, which fail to receive sufficient attention from the perspective of production or consumption. Some critical transactions, such as the transaction from Nonmetal products sector to Construction sector, have a large amount of CO 2 emissions. The transaction from Metallurgy sector to Electrical equipment sector became increasingly important in China from 2005 to 2015. Additionally, the evolutionary trends of different transactions are significantly different. The findings reveal that special attention should be paid to these critical betweenness sectors and transactions and policy development should be dynamic to respond to changes in CO 2 emissions that are generated by different betweenness sectors and transactions. • Critical betweenness sectors and transactions for CO 2 emissions in China are identified. • Input-output relationships are converted into a supply chain network. • Edge betweenness and SPA are used to identify critical transactions in China. • The intermediate effect of Metal products sector is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on energy-saving retrofits of the existing industrial systems can effectively improve the systems' energy-saving level and increase company revenue. The energy-saving bottleneck diagnosis for systems is the foundation of the energy-saving retrofit design. The diagnosis also aims to yield a more targeted energy-saving retrofit, thus ensuring the energy-saving effect and investment income of the transformation project. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method to diagnose the energy-saving bottleneck of the existing industrial systems. First, the energy-saving bottleneck diagnosis is decomposed into two parts: the diagnosis of energy-saving bottleneck units and the diagnosis of energy-saving bottleneck factors. Then, the energy density decomposition method is improved and a multi-mode energy efficiency density decomposition method is proposed. Next, an energy-saving bottleneck diagnosis method for industrial systems based on multi-mode energy efficiency density decomposition and an orthogonal test method is proposed. The proposed method can analyze the energy-saving potential of existing systems, accurately locate energy-saving bottlenecks, and avoid the dependence on a large amount of expert experience or complete production data in the existing methods. Finally, the proposed method is applied to an actual circulating cooling water system and the system energy-saving bottleneck diagnosis is realized, thus verifying the practicability of the method. • Energy-saving bottlenecks in industrial systems are analyzed and decomposed. • A method for energy-saving bottleneck diagnosis from two directions is proposed. • An improved energy efficiency density decomposition method is proposed. • The diagnosis of energy-saving bottlenecks in industrial systems is achieved. • The verification is performed for an industrial circulating cooling water system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinch Analysis (PA) and Exergy Analysis have been used, either independently or in combination, for energy integration of process plants. This paper discusses a methodology to apply PA and Exergy Analysis during design of a new process plant to make it energy efficient, using Diesel Hydrotreating Unit (DHT) as an example. PA has been used to estimate the Minimum Energy Requirement (MER), to select utilities and to design the optimal Heat Exchanger Network (HEN). Exergy Analysis is then performed to pinpoint the sources of energy inefficiency in the whole plant and suggest improvements. The application of these two techniques has helped in energy integration of the plant during the design phase itself. Two common layouts of diesel hydrotreating unit—the 'hot separator layout' and the 'cold separator layout'—have been studied. The minimum Total Annualized Cost (TAC) is ∼7.6 M€/y and ∼10 M€/y for the hot separator layout and the cold separator layout respectively. Exergy destroyed is 27.15 MW (7.9% of exergy input) and 50.18 MW (6.7% of exergy input) respectively for the hot separator layout and the cold separator layout. Exergy Analysis reveals that the energy efficiency can be improved for air coolers, fired heaters and letdown valves. • Pinch and exergy analysis carried out on design of new DHT. • HEN with minimum TAC obtained by pinch analysis. • Sources of energy inefficiency identified by exergy analysis. • Modifications for improving energy efficiency provided. • Equipment modifications resulted in higher exergetic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though renewable energy development has gained momentum in China, thermal power generation still accounts for approximately 70% of the county's total power generation serving as the major source of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions in China. Facing the challenges of meeting 2030 peak target of CO 2 emission and realizing the coordinated development of thermal power generation in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, this paper applies generalized Divisia Index Method (GDIM) to decompose the dynamics in the relevant CO 2 emission. The effects of five factors including electricity demand, energy consumption, technology, energy efficiency and energy-mix are considered. The decomposition suggests that electricity demand is the primary factor driving the CO 2 emission up, whereas technology effect decreases CO 2 emission the most. Given the significant roles of technology, energy-mix and energy efficiency in CO 2 emissions reduction, seven scenarios are designed to identify the optimal coordinated development pathway for thermal power generation in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Through upgrading energy structure and/or enhancing energy efficiency, the thermal power generation in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region can achieve coordinated development and realize the 2030 peak target under four scenarios. The detailed development pathways for CO 2 emissions and specific policy implications for Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei are provided to further govern CO 2 emissions and maintain sustainable development. • Proposed a five-factor Generalized Divisia Index Model (GDIM) for CO 2 emission analysis. • Analyzed the CO 2 from thermal power generation in China's Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. • Electricity demand and technology contributed the most to the positive and negative changes of CO 2 , respectively. • Designed seven thermal generation development scenarios to study the CO 2 change until 2030. • The 2030 CO 2 peak target can be achieved under four scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern manufacturing enterprises are consuming a considerable amount of energy every year. Improving energy efficiency will not only benefit the enterprises economically, but also help the world to overcome various problems such as energy crisis and air pollution. To achieve this, an accurate energy consumption model is essential. The main objective of this paper is to develop an improved cutting power-based energy consumption model for general end milling process. The proposed model consists of an idle part due to auxiliary components and spindle rotation, and an additional part due to cutting workpiece materials. The first part is modelled as a function of spindle rotation speed, and the other part is considered proportional to the cutting power. Experiments under various milling conditions have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficacy of the proposed model. Comparative studies show that the proposed model is more accurate than other models. Although calibrated from slotting experiments when cutting aluminium alloy, the proposed model is applicable for general milling process. Partial-immersion milling experiments show that the prediction error of the proposed model is as low as 1.74%. When workpiece material changes to titanium alloy, its performance remains decent, with low prediction error of 2.81%. This reveals its capability to provide reliable estimation for different workpiece materials. As such, it could help avoid tedious model calibration, thus saving time, material, and energy. Finally, the energy efficiency of general end milling process is investigated through numerical experiments with the proposed model. By revealing the relationship between energy consumption and various cutting parameters, the proposed model could serve as an excellent platform towards energy-efficient manufacturing/cleaner production. • A new energy consumption model (ECM) for general end milling is proposed. • The ECM's accuracy and reliability is validated by general milling experiments. • The ECM significantly improves the prediction accuracy than other major models. • Energy efficiency can be analyzed with the ECM via numerical experiment. • The ECM contributes to cleaner production by saving time, material, and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced ultrafiltration process as the cleaner treatment of cutting oil wastewater has been presented in this paper. Twisted tapes as turbulence promoters were used for fouling mitigation and the enhancement of cutting oil wastewater ultrafiltration for the first time. The response surface methodology was used for modelling and analysis of the most important effects, particularly an aspect ratio of twisted tape and cross-flow rate, on the flux and specific energy consumption as responses. The improved maximal flux under minimal specific energy consumption has been obtained by the optimization of twisted tape dimension alongside the working conditions. The application of twisted tapes remarkably increases the flux. The linear effects of the cross-flow rate and the aspect ratio have a dominant positive influence on the flux. The linear effect of cross-flow rate has a positive dominant effect on the specific energy consumption. The squared effect of the aspect ratio is statistically significant and allows for optimization. The optimal flux of 201 L m−2 h−1 can be reached under specific energy consumption of 1.34 kWh m−3 with a twisted tape of the aspect ratio of 1.55 and 2% w/w oil concentration. The optimized process has the desirability of 0.81 what is beyond commercially available. Image 1 • The ultrafiltration of cutting oil wastewater was enhanced by application of twisted tapes. • Response surface methodology was used for the effects analysis and optimization of the process. • An aspect ratio of twisted tape has statistically significant linear and quadratic effects on flux. • Cross-flow rate has bigger influence on the specific energy consumption than twisted tape. • The proposed optimized process has desirability beyond commercially available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of smart technologies can become very important and useful to solve the main population issues nowadays and provide foundations for a sustainable future. A smart approach is an opportunity for knowledge integration, necessary to solve crucial problems of contemporary societies. Today, the main challenge is to reduce the effects of global warming and ensure a balanced economic development of society. The close collaboration of all involved engineering professions is mandatory to achieve interdisciplinary synergies and can bridge challenging engineering tasks. Intense research efforts should be directed towards balanced resource utilization, efficient energy conversion technologies, integration of renewable energy systems, effective approaches to enable circular economy framework, effective process integration as well as other issues important to the population. This review editorial is primarily focused on the contributions presented at the 3rd International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Technologies held in Split, Croatia, in 2018 (SpliTech2018). The SpliTech2018 conference was a multidisciplinary event with research topics related to the main conference tracks, i.e. Smart City/Environment, Energy, Engineering Modelling and e-Health. The strategic focus of the conference was to help solve crucial issues of our times, mainly related to the sustainability and smart utilisation of limited and valuable resources. This contribution brings new ideas and discusses present issues as well as challenges that should lead towards a sustainable future based on the application of the smart technologies. The herein addressed papers bring together latest research progress into four main topic areas: (i) Green Buildings, Energy Use and Consumption, (ii) Solar Energy Utilisation, (iii) Efficiency and Waste Elimination, (iv) Smart Cities and Internet of Things. The main results of this introduction review article include a discussion of different concepts and technologies that bring further development on a broad range of topics focused on efficiency improvement, smart and sustainable resource management, cleaner production concepts and on the discussion of the various actions which would lead towards a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investments in energy efficiency often remain undecided upon and there is a large potential for enhancing energy efficiency in the industrial and commercial sectors. Within this context, the aim of the research project M_Key "Management as a key driver of energy performance" is to better understand how large-scale energy consumer (LSEC) companies make energy-efficiency investment decisions. With about 35% of the total Swiss electricity consumption, LSECs are an important target group for energy-efficiency programmes in Switzerland. The goal of this paper is to present and describe the main findings of M_Key (Management as Key for Energy Performance) research project. For the first time, these findings extensively depict large-scale energy consumers in Switzerland. They highlight the low level of energy management in Swiss LSECs and of the resources allocated to tackle energy issues. Due to a lack of monitoring and control tools, companies have difficulty assessing their energy-efficiency investments. Energy issues are not generally a priority for companies, with a few exceptions, mainly in large firms. Requirements from national or cantonal energy policies have a significant role (and in the case of SMEs a key role) in inciting companies to action. When energy efficiency is perceived as strategic, companies tend to have a high level of energy management. The better the energy management system is, the more likely the chances are for a positive decision on energy-efficiency investment. Another important conclusion is that the more strategic a project or investment is considered to be, the less restrictive are the financial criteria applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of the implementation of smart city policy (SCP) on energy efficiency (EE) in China. For this purpose, we have developed a non-convex metafrontier data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to measure EE, and empirically examine the impacts of SCP on China's EE using Difference-in-Differences (DID) analysis, using a dataset of 251 cities between 2003 and 2016. Results show that there exists significant regional heterogeneity across cities, with the SCP exerting a significant positive effect on EE, indicating that the SCP can effectively improve EE during the study period. These findings are robust to different sub-sample, energy efficiency alternative measures, estimation strategies, and Baidu Search Index. Based on empirical results, the implications of SCP are outlined. • Energy efficiency measures of 251 Chinese prefectural-level cities are estimated. • Eastern region performs the best, followed by the central and western regions. • The effects of smart city policy on energy efficiency is investigated using DID method. • The smart city policy can effectively improve energy efficiency during the study period. • Empirical results are robust to different sub-sample, energy efficiency alternative measures, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, various environmental assessment methods have been developed. The aim of this paper is to compare these methods to identify their advantages and disadvantages when used to analyze energy efficiency in agricultural production systems. A systematic review of information helped to identify six environmental assessment methods: ecological footprint, material flow analysis, ecological network analysis, life cycle analysis, exergy, and emergy. A multi-criteria comparison was carried out, taking into account the level of formalization, system modeling, spatial scale, inventoried flows, type of indicators, relationship with the concept of efficiency, and usability of each of the methods. This work allowed the strengths and weaknesses of each environmental assessment method to be highlighted. Proving that the Emergy approach could provide a relevant framework for the analysis of the multiple energy flows that interact in an agricultural production system, and for achieving an integral understanding of energy efficiency in the whole system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many years, China has invested effort into achieving resource conservation and environmentally friendly economic development. The measures implemented include promoting technological innovation, market-oriented reform and industrial structure adjustment. But there are open questions: What have the effects of these measures been? Have they helped China achieve win-win development in terms of its resources, environment, and economy? This paper aims to answer these questions by using a newly proposed global three-hierarchy meta-frontier Luenberger index that can quantify the effects of promoting technological innovation, industrial restructuring, etc., on economic growth, energy conservation and emissions reduction. The results show that (1) during 2001–2016, China's energy efficiency, economic efficiency, and emissions efficiency improved, indicating that China's efforts have brought about the win-win development of resources, the environment, and the economy; (2) the implemented measures have heterogeneous effects on economic growth, energy conservation, and emissions reduction. The implemented measures are generally beneficial to energy conservation and emissions reduction but potentially harmful to the economy; (3) the effects of these measures on economic growth, energy conservation and emissions reduction across China's regions and provinces are also quite different, indicating that local provincial governments should have a clear understanding of their own characteristics before implementing the relevant policies and measures. • A global three-hierarchy meta-frontier Luenberger index was proposed for the study. • It can quantify the effects of China's efforts on economy, energy, and emissions. • Results show that China's efforts have brought about a win-win development. • There are the heterogeneities of China's pathways to economic growth, energy conservations and emissions reductions. • The future strategies for China's win-win development should take the heterogeneities into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates the linkages among total Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) emissions, total GDP and energy efficiency using China's provincial panel data from 2002 to 2015. We investigate total emissions rather than per capita emissions or ambient concentrations since it is total emissions that the environment cares about. Energy efficiency is estimated using stochastic frontier analysis and decomposed into both persistent and transient efficiency. We then investigate the long-run dynamics among SO 2 emissions, economic growth, and energy efficiency by employing the panel-based error correction model and taking the effects of cyclical variations into account. Our analysis shows that GDP has a positive impact on total SO 2 emissions in the short run and gains in energy efficiency have a significant negative effect on emissions in the long run. By controlling the effects of the business cycle, the effects of GDP on emissions remain positive in both the short and long run. The cross-sectional analysis provides similar insights. We argue that economic growth itself is an emission generator. Therefore, the government needs to establish a long-run strategy to curb emissions by improving energy efficiency. Image 1029 • We estimate the linkages among sulphur dioxide emissions, GDP and energy efficiency. • Energy efficiency is estimated by SFA and decomposed into persistent and transient efficiency. • We employ the panel-based error correction model with cyclical variations and structural break. • GDP has a positive impact on emissions in both the short and long run. • Gains in energy efficiency affects emissions negatively in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental impact evaluations in manufacturing fields is a complicated decision-making problem, which involves wastes emission, resource consumption and energy utility, etc. This paper presents an intelligence method for environmental impact evaluation using kernel fuzzy clustering and a back-propagation neural network. The objective of this article is to apply artificial intelligence technology to evaluate environmental influence of cutting process and develop a decision support tool for selecting the optimal environmental solution from various alternative schemes. There are three stages to accomplish this assessment procedure. First, the evaluation index system of the cutting process was analyzed and established. Next, a training sample set which was used for learning the 'knowledge and experience' by neural networks, was acquired by kernel fuzzy clustering algorithm. Finally, an evaluation model based on a back-propagation neural network was constructed, and connection weights of the model were determined after training. A case research on the cutting processes of the automobile workpiece was conducted. Results showed that the proposed method is more concise and practicable than existing evaluation methods and provide a feasible and effective decision-making tool for selecting an optimal cutting process while manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaner production is a green production way to minimize emissions and waste as well as maximize product output. Cleaner production has proven itself as an effective way to reduce energy consumption and improve material utilization during the whole manufacturing process. However, the implementation of cleaner production strategy is facing barriers due to the lack of applying advanced technologies such as cloud manufacturing, Internet of Things, and cyber-physical system. Based on these advanced technologies, this paper presents an architecture of energy-cyber-physical system enabled management for energy-intensive manufacturing industries to promote the implementation of cleaner production strategy. An energy-cyber-physical system enabled green manufacturing model for the future smart factory is proposed. Then the qualitative and quantitative synergetic models based on energy-cyber-physical system are developed for cleaner manufacturing. Finally, an application of a partner company is presented to demonstrate the proposed framework and synergistic models. The results show that energy consumption can be greatly reduced using synergistic evaluation models. Further managerial implications are summarized to increase the level of synergy of energy-cyber-physical system, which can achieve cleaner production strategy by making energy-efficient decisions from different departments. • An architecture of energy-CPS enabled management is proposed to save energy. • Energy-CPS enabled intelligent model is proposed for green manufacturing. • Qualitative and quantitative synergetic models are developed for cleaner production. • The energy consumption can be reduced through the synergistic evaluation models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand response plays an important role in helping us achieve clean energy and climate goals. It offers a variety of environmental benefits, such as reducing energy usage, offsetting the need for fossil-fueled power plants, and helping to manage system challenges from increased wind and solar energy. However, DR suffers from difficulties associated with optimization model complexity. Especially, when the DR problem is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, which is NP-hard problem. In order to solve this problem, a global optimization approach that combines a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) local optimizer is proposed in this paper. This allows us to incorporate the global search characteristics of PSO algorithms with the local search capabilities of SQP algorithms. This unique combination increase the possibility of a successful global solution by balancing the exploration-exploitation trade-off and is particularly effective atsolving MINLP problems. Application of the approach in residential energy management indicates that the proposed algorithm is effective atresolving the MINLP DR problem. • A complex mixed nonlinear integer models is proposed and applied to a residential scenario. • A hybrid algorithm was implemented to solve the non-convex MINLP, and can obtain near optimal solution. • The performance of proposed algorithm is better for solving demand response related MINLP than commercial solver Knitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is the material basis for the development of national economy. However, energy shortages become increasingly serious as a result of the growing population and the modernization of the global economy. Therefore, investigating drivers of energy consumption is crucial to coordinate the relationship between energy and national economic growth. This study aimed to uncover the effects of energy prices (EP), urbanization (URN) and GDP on per capita energy consumption (EC) with considering the income gaps between countries. The paper adopted the Granger causality test approach and the impulse response function analysis by using long-term time series data on EC, EP, URN and GDP during 1980–2015 in 186 countries divided into three groups (high-income, upper- and lower-middle income groups). The results indicated a long-term co-integration relationship among these variables. Granger causality test showed a bidirectional causality between URN and EC in high and lower-middle income countries but no causality in the upper-middle income group. In all groups, there is a bidirectional causal link between GDP and EC. The results of IRF showed that as urbanization level improves, its role in promoting EC become less significant. Moreover, EP affected EC negatively both in high and lower-middle income countries, but it has a positive impact on EC in upper-middle income countries. The study supports the finding that urbanization is an important factor affecting energy consumption per capita, although its contributions vary across income groups, which offers a new pathway to control the excessive growth of energy consumption. • Analyzing energy, urbanization, economy and prices in 186 countries for 1980–2015. • An extra analysis for 87 individuals through integration techniques with panel data. • Economic growth and urbanization took a different role in different income groups. • Energy prices was a tiny effect on per capita energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper takes the industrial coupling symbiosis network (ICSN) of oil and gas resource-based urban eco-industrial parks (EIPs) as the research object. The purpose is to judge the stability of a symbiotic, one-way relying and two-way symbiosis model applied to oil and gas resource-based cities through constructing a logistic growth symbiotic network model. Through identifying and analyzing the stability model, the research concludes the stability conditions. The analytic results are as follows: In the symmetric ICSN system, it is important to maintain equal status and balanced benefit distribution among the coupled symbiotic enterprises. In the one-way-based ICSN system, the core enterprise significantly promotes the improvement of ecological efficiency the satellite enterprise while the satellite enterprise less effectively promotes the improvement of ecological efficiency of the core enterprise. In the two-way ICSN system, the core enterprise and the satellite enterprise are easily affected by the symbiotic enterprises within the network, and the stability is extremely poor. These conditions and analytic results will serve as a basis for constructing an efficient closed-loop system for ICSN of the oil and gas resource-based urban EIPs.Through the stability analysis of the industrial coupling symbiotic network of the oil and gas resource-based urban eco-industrial park, it can determine the stability conditions that affect the overall performance of the industrial park. Studies have shown that increasing network stability and improving energy efficiency in the park can improve the overall sustainability of the eco-industrial park and accelerate the effective transformation of resource-based cities. • Constructing an industrial coupling symbiotic network model. • Given stability conditions for three symbiotic modes. • Extremely poor stability of Two-way relying industry coupling symbiotic network. • Logistic growth model for network stability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the application of the Discrete Event Simulation (DES) in an industrial plant to analyze the behavior of the consumption and generation of electrical energy in conjunction with other variables of the process. In other words, the process modeling was conducted considering the energy consumption in equipment as well as the local photovoltaic (PV) energy generation. A medium-sized plant was the reference base used herein, and the main variables considered were the time of supply of tanks and processing of raw material, active power of equipment and energy tariffs. A simulation model with resolution in seconds was designed, enabling the simulation of consumption curves of each equipment of a given part of the production process. The equipment of variable active demand was modeled by a mathematical regression method, and the others were assumed with constant power. The same model was altered to unit in minutes for simulating the monthly electricity consumption, so as to obtain financial results. The contractual rules for electricity supply were included, and the use of a diesel-powered generator was taken into account. The application of a freeware was employed as a low cost alternative for small and medium-sized companies, even though the lack of graphic resources has increased the complexity of the system modeling process. The model with resolution in seconds proved to be efficient to simulate the consumption profile of a specific equipment that alters the power in a short-time period, such as the pumps. The model, on the other hand, in minutes allowed a more effective analysis in terms of finance, enabling the verification of alternative scenarios throughout a month. The monthly cost reduction perceived by considering self-generation in this model was about 36%. Detailed diagram of the main elements of modeling of a manufacturing process of an industry concentrating on the consumption and generation of electric energy. Image 1 • The electricity consumption in an industrial process can be approached in a simulation model. • PV energy can be simulated together with variables of industrial processes. • The discrete event simulation can be used in industrial processes to optimize the electricity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the prices of oil and gasoline increase, the wind power will become increasingly competitive. So, one should present the safe conclusions with respect to the economic viability in terms of investment and operation of the wind turbines at a given location. Egypt enjoys fully a high potentiality of wind energy and its applications, nevertheless the study of this renewable source is still below the required level. Technical assessment of a two wind farms of 300 MW installed capacity has been presented on the proposed locations, where the correct roughness factor was estimated and the rate of wind power density potential per month at 100 m altitude has been derived. Frequency distributions, monthly capacity factor and annual full load hours have been investigated to choose the best suitable wind turbines over there. Annual capacity factors are high ranged between 44% and 42%, respectively, that represents 3855 h of annual operation hours in Kharga station, while 3680 of operative yearly hours were at Dakhla South station. The considered wind farms could generate 1130 GWh of electricity per year. Average cost per kWh is around 2 € cent. In terms of practical economic analysis and considerations given in this paper, Kharga and Dakhla South sites are global areas for wind power plants and have the ability to generate electricity with low price. Also, it is lower than the local electricity tariff in Egypt, which was generated by other ways through the fiscal year 2017/2018, that is equivalent to 5.4 US cent per kilowatt-hour. As a result, this great amount of electricity produced from this venture is relatively more than the needs of Egypt and can be exported to Southern European countries on the Mediterranean Sea, that will reduce the domestic fossil fuel consumption and create a clean regional climate by preventing thousands of tons of carbon emissions per year. • Proposed wind farms will generate energy 1,130 GWh/year. • Annual capacity factors are high ranged between 44% and 42%. • Economical wind applications are possible in the two sites. • The expected cost varies in the range of 1.96–2.09 € cents/kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

for energy efficiency (DfEE) is highly valued in improving the energy efficiency during product use and the decisions with a significant impact on the product's energy-efficiency performance are made during early design stages. The product's design features determined in early design stages are hierarchical in nature and the design process for new products is generally top-down. However, current DfEE methods tend to firstly improve the design features on the bottom level and then the higher level till the energy-efficiency target is achieved. The contradiction between the top-down design process and the bottom-up energy-efficiency improvement severely limits the innovation in new product design and hinders the emergence of highly energy-efficient products. In addition, the energy-efficiency improvement is divergent and can generate a large number of solutions, but the design process needs to be convergent and arrives at a few or a single best solution. This paper proposes a top-down DfEE method called three-step cyclic design method for new product development in early design stages. It is based on a spiral design process and a three-layer framework of DfEE activities. The former supports a top-down approach for energy-efficiency improvement, and the latter ensures a convergent DfEE process. The implementation of this method is detailed through a case study of a wind turbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]