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The building sector contributes to 40% of the total final energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe, and these are set to increase in the coming years. International directives are pushing towards a decarbonisation roadmap to improve the quality of cities and the health of citizens. Buildings have a potentially central role in terms of energy transition as a means to produce and save energy. Photovoltaic shading devices (PVSDs) protect buildings from direct solar radiation and overheating while producing renewable electricity onsite and increasing the users' thermal comfort. Even though the potential of the PVSD is considerable, the sector is still unexplored, and few studies on the topic are available in the literature. This systematic review aims to present an exhaustive overview of the current literature on state-of-the-art PVSDs by analysing the scientific framework in terms of the status of the research. It presents a performance-based approach focusing on innovative products, PVSD design strategies, and energetic performance in distinct climate conditions and configurations. In particular, 75 articles and about 250 keywords were identified, selected, and analysed. The literature review serves as a basis for further R&D activities led by both the industrial and the academic sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the connection between climate change and energy security in Europe and provides empirical evidence that these issues are the two faces of the same coin. Using a panel of 39 European countries during the period 1980–2020, the empirical analysis presented in this paper indicates that increasing the share of nuclear, renewables, and other nonhydrocarbon energy and improving energy efficiency could lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and improve energy security throughout Europe. Accordingly, policies and reforms aimed at shifting away from hydrocarbons and increasing energy efficiency in distribution and consumption are key to mitigating climate change, reducing energy dependence, and minimizing exposure to energy price volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings are energy- and resource-hungry: their construction and use account for around 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions; they consume around 40% of all the energy produced; they are responsible for over 35% of the EU's total waste generation; and account for about 50% of all extracted (fossil) materials. Therefore, they present a significant challenge to meeting national and international Net Zero targets of reducing greenhouse emissions and fossil resource use. The CircularB Project, is at the heart of this issue, which will underpin synergies of multi-scale circular perspectives (from materials, to components, to assets and built environments), digital transformation solutions, data-driven and complexity science, stakeholder behavioral science, and interdisciplinary capabilities towards achievable, affordable and marketable circular solutions for both new and existing buildings, for sustainable urban design, and for circular built environments across Europe. This paper contributes to the project by deriving new insights into the stakeholders' influences, inter-relationships, and obstacles in the implementation of circular economy concepts on existing building stocks in Europe, which represent over 90% of whole building assets. In order to identify and derive the insights, our study is rigorously based on (i) a robust critical literature review of key documentations such as articles, standards, policy reports, strategic roadmaps and white papers; and (ii) interviews with relevant stakeholders and decision makers. Uniquely, our work spans across all scales of CE implementation from materials, to products and components, to existing building stocks, and to living built environments. The findings point out the current challenges and obstacles required to be tackled. Inadequacies of financial incentives and governmental enforcement (via policy, legislation, or directive) are commonly found to be the most critical obstacles found throughout Europe. Circular economy is the global challenge and not just a single country can resolve the climate issue without the cooperation of other countries. The insights thus highlight the essential need for harmonized actions and tactical/pragmatic policies promoted and regulated by the European Commission, national and local governments who can dominate the influence, promote inter-relationship, and overcome the barriers towards circular economy much more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing emissions from fluorinated gases (F-gases) is considered one of the key conditions for the European Union (EU) to be able to meet the requirements of the European Green Deal, primary objectives of which are the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and the gradual transition to net climate neutrality by 2050. To this end, a quota system for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is already in place, introduced through the updated F-Gas Regulation (517/2014). The aim of this paper is to review an innovative scheme currently under development that strongly promotes the Recovery, Recycling and Reuse (3R) of F-gases extracted from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment of the building sector, thus offering a sustainable alternative source for refrigerant supplies. Therefore, the basic operating principles of the so-called "3R ECOSYSTEM" are outlined and especially its three main components, which are: the self-certification/self-declaration platform, the F-gas identification and recycling units (prototypes) and the Retradeables marketplace. In addition, an overview of both the demonstration phase and the scheduled replication phase of the 3R ECOSYSTEM is provided, including the estimated impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) savings due to the progressive uptake of the circular use of existing F-gases across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-energy systems that combine different energy sources and carriers to improve the overall technical, economic, and environmental performance can boost the energy transition. In this paper we posit an innovative multi-energy system for green hydrogen production that achieves negative carbon emissions by combining bio-fuel membrane-integrated steam reforming and renewable electricity electrolysis. The system produces green hydrogen and carbon dioxide, both at high purity. We use thermo-chemical models to determine the system performance and optimal working parameters. Specifically, we focus on its ability to achieve negative carbon emissions. The results show that in optimal operating conditions the system can capture up to 14.1 g of CO 2 per MJ of stored hydrogen and achieves up to 70% storage efficiency. Therefore, we prove that a multi-energy system may reach the same efficiency of an average electrolyzer while implementing carbon capture. In the same optimal operating conditions the system converts 7.8 kg of biogas in 1 kg of hydrogen using 3.2 kg of oxygen coming from the production of 6.4 kg of hydrogen through the electrolyzer. With such ratios we estimate that the conversion of all the biogas produced in Europe with our system, could result in the installation of additional dedicated 800 GWp - 1280 GWp of photovoltaic power, or of 266 GWp - 532 GWp of wind power, without affecting the distribution grid and covering yearly the 45% of the worldwide hydrogen demand while removing from the atmosphere more than 2% of the European carbon dioxide emissions. • A Multi-energy system that produce hydrogen with negative CO 2 emissions. • More than 800 GWp of new photovoltaic power without grid burdens. • More than 800 GWp of new wind power without grid burdens. • Capture 56 Mton/year of CO 2 from the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are a prominent solution for reducing CO2 emissions from transport in Europe. They are equipped with at least two propulsion energy converters, an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and one or more Electric Machines (EMs), operated in a way to exploit synergies and achieve fuel efficiency. Because of the variety in configurations and strategies, the use of simulation is essential for vehicle development and characterisation of energy consumption. This paper introduces a novel simulation approach to estimate the CO2 emissions from different hybrid architectures (series, parallel, power-split) and electrification degrees (mild, full, plug-in and range extender) that is relatively simple, flexible and accurate. The approach identifies the optimal power split between the energy converters for any given time in a driving cycle according to three evaluation levels: supervisor, ICE manager and optimiser. The latter relies on the Equivalent Consumption Minimisation Strategy (ECMS) and the limitations imposed by the other two layers. Six light-duty HEVs with different hybrid architectures were tested to support the development of the approach. The results show an indicative accuracy of ±5%, enabling to run assessments of hybrid powertrain solutions and supporting regulatory and consumer information initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis has become a centre of interest for empirical research, as it serves to identify the relationships between economic growth and environmental degradation that will lead to a sustainable development path. The aim of the paper is to investigate these relationships for each of the EU15 countries, which are responsible for the largest amount of carbon dioxide emissions in Europe. Based on the results of the analysis of ARDL bounds cointegration approach, for the 1960–2019 period, it was found that there is a great diversity between the countries in the EU15 regarding the existence and shape of EKC, from the identification of N shape, Inverted U-shape or monotonic relationships to the absence of statistically significant relationships. Thus, there are countries that have managed to implement environmental protection measures early and now ensure GDP growth while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The similarities and differences identified among EU15 countries can serve as a guide for EU policymakers in developing recommendations adapted to specific situations in order to facilitate economic growth taking into consideration environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vehicle simulation model, CO 2 MPAS supports the introduction of the new WLTP-based certification system for CO 2 emissions in Europe. This paper investigates the possibility to use the underlying simulation methodology to accurately calculate CO 2 emissions over real-world trips, thus to extend the use of the methodology beyond vehicle certification. As a reference, the analysis used measurement data obtained from four vehicles over two different routes under real-world driving conditions. The CO 2 emissions were measured using portable emissions measurement systems. The formal CO 2 MPAS methodology and two modified versions of it that require a reduced number of input data were assessed about their capacity to predict the measured CO 2 emissions. The analysis focused on the accuracy and uncertainty of the three different methodology configurations. As an additional benchmark, the analysis considered the CO 2 emissions estimates obtained from the EMEP/EEA Guidebook methodology used for emissions inventorying in Europe. Results show that the basic CO 2 MPAS configuration demonstrates good performance in predicting CO 2 emissions over on-road tests, reaching a prediction accuracy over an entire test trip of −0,3% and a standard deviation of 3,1%. The modified versions showed slightly higher biases up to 3% and uncertainties (5–7%), but remaining within reasonable limits considering the reduced number of inputs used in each case. Given its ability to predict CO 2 emissions accurately on a local base, CO 2 MPAS could be used for the prediction of instantaneous CO 2 emissions in traffic micro-simulation exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into an econometric analysis to uncover the differences between Nordic European Countries - NEC (Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden) and South-East European Countries - SEEC (Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary). The focus is on exploring the interplay among electricity generation from Renewable Energy Sources (RES), CO 2 emissions, urban population and GDP per capita in these two European regions. The study employs cross-sectional dependence, first and second-generation panel unit root tests, Pedroni panel and Westerlund panel cointegration tests, ARDL, Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test to establish the relation among variables. The findings reveal that in both regions, CO 2 emissions are significantly influenced by GDP per capita, urbanization and RES generation. Furthermore, urbanization plays an important role. When examining causality in SEEC, three bidirectional relationships are observed: urbanization and CO 2 , urbanization and GDP, urbanization and generation from RES, and two unidirectional causalities: CO 2 and GDP, generation from RES and CO 2. In contrast, for the NEC, there are two bidirectional causalities: urbanization and CO 2 , urbanization and generation from RES, and two unidirectional causalities: GDP and CO 2 , generation from RES and CO 2. These results highlight the nuanced and varied nature of environmental and economic dynamics across various European regions. • Relationship between CO 2 emissions, GDP per capita and electricity production from RES. • Investigating two groups of EU countries located in the North and SE Europe. • Estimations with Fully Modified and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares. • Causality and cointegration between variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU has committed to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Reaching this objective requires massive changes in the region. The biggest challenge is that the green transition happens without sacrificing economic progress and guaranteeing justice and inclusiveness. This pledge implies that every country be capable of addressing the trade-offs between targets while remaining committed towards the common decarbonisation goal. Our paper analyses the success with which countries are carrying out the energy transition. We propose an enhanced hyperbolic distance function and a stochastic frontier analysis approach to model the joint attainment of economic development, environmental sustainability, and energy equity. We apply our model to an unbalanced panel dataset of 29 European countries for the period 2005–2018. Our estimates show that the average performance of the economies has improved over time. The results also highlight the pivotal role of a sustainable economic development with clean energies for both slashing CO 2 emissions and fostering energy equity. Moreover, we find convergence in countries' performance, being this convergence slightly higher for the EU-15 countries compared to the rest. Finally, we show that a higher share of renewable energy sources helps countries that are lagging behind to reach their optimal performance level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread adoption of low GWP alternative refrigerants across Europe is critical to achieving long-term carbon reduction emissions from the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) sector. The RACHP sector has been identified as being responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions through direct emission (leakage of high GWP refrigerants) and indirect emissions (energy use). The changes to EU's Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gas) regulation No 517/2014, which came to force since 1st January 2015, has enacted restrictions on the use of halocarbon refrigerants in certain applications with the intent of reducing the F-gas associated emissions in the EU region. There are currently inconsistent levels of knowledge and awareness of how alternative refrigerants can be sustainably procured and utilised. This paper provides an understanding of the needs for skills in some European countries, specifically covering the general overview of the "as installed" RAC use, the current training provision, the potential use and status of alternative refrigerants and recommendations on procurement process. Furthermore, the paper discusses the availability of skills and existing training materials and template in specific European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is among the energy carriers, which are most often considered for bringing about a sustainable energy system. Yet, so far, hydrogen has not delivered as an energy carrier. The core objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art and the future prospects of green hydrogen in the European energy system from economic, energetic and CO 2 emissions point-of-view. The analysis shows that there are some increasing opportunities for hydrogen use in industry and in the transport sector, when electrification is not possible or is too expensive, as well as a storage in the European electricity system. However, a hydrogen-based energy system will remain a vision at least over the next decades. The major reason for this is the unfavorable economics mostly due to high investment costs in the whole supply chain. In addition, the overall efficiencies in the hydrogen chains are moderate in general. The full environmental benignity of hydrogen as an energy carrier is only provided when renewable energy sources are used for hydrogen production. However, in Europe, the potentials for green hydrogen are very limited due to the insufficient expansion of renewable electricity generation. For this reason, many European countries are considering options for green hydrogen import. The future of hydrogen is highly dependent on the supporting policy framework. To reduce the risk in the investment in hydrogen infrastructure, as well as to justify the promotion of green hydrogen, it is very important that Europe works out a very clear and realistic long-term implementation strategy. • Hydrogen might have potential in the European energy system, yet a hydrogen-based energy system stays visionary. • Green hydrogen from renewable electricity via electrolyzers is key for environmental benefits and decarbonization. • Hydrogen should be prioritized for uses where electrification is not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigation of GHG pollutants persistence in Europe and major economic areas. • Mean reversion properties and the integration factor is examined for CO2, CH4, and NO2 (2000-2021) • Empirical evidence of mean reversion in CO2 emissions across all countries. • CH4 and NO2 show reduced persistence and not all countries exhibit mean reversion properties. • These empirical findings highlight policy progress, but underscore the need for further efforts. This paper investigates the persistence of GHG in Europe, evaluating the effectiveness of government policies, including the Kyoto Protocol and the EU Council commitment. Mean reversion properties, and the structure of the integration factor were examined to determine the degree of persistence across markets and assess policy effectiveness. The analysis focuses on CO 2 , CH 4 , and NO 2 pollutants, with monthly data starting in January 2000 and ending in December 2021 from major European countries, and the US, Japan, Brazil, China, and India for comparison purposes. Empirical results show clear evidence of mean reversion in CO 2 emissions observed across all countries, indicating certain degrees of stabilization. Similar patterns are seen for CH 4 , and NO 2 , observing reduced persistence of these pollutants; however not all countries exhibit mean reversion properties. Thus, these findings highlight policy progress in stabilizing GHG emissions, particularly for CO 2 , but underscore the need for further efforts to achieve a substantial emissions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the predictive impact of weather conditions and electricity demand on hourly spot prices of emissions allowances during the first three phases of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) (2005–2019). We propose an original methodology for constructing European-scale electricity demand and weather indices and characterize the relationship between those indices and emissions allowances prices by means of an advanced predictive modeling technique (Extreme Gradient Boosting). Empirical findings assert that electricity demand and the weather variables under study were of importance for estimating EUA prices during the first three phases of the EU ETS, with air temperature and electricity demand being most relevant to emissions allowances prices. Conversely, total precipitation and relative humidity proved to be the least relevant variables to the outcome. The results also indicate that the relationship between emissions allowances prices and their weather-related predictors was not linear in the studied period. The paper contributes to the growing body of literature on the structural determinants of carbon prices in the EU ETS and enhances our understanding of the impact of climate and weather variability – in the provision of renewable energy production – on the most prominent market-based measure to reduce CO 2 emissions in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The new solution for the façade integrated photovoltaic system, En-ActivETICS was proposed and described in detail, including technical recommendations. • The calibrated numerical model was used to determine hygrothermal performance and identify the most crucial issues of En-ActivETICS. • The positive effect of PCM and diffusion channels was revealed based on a numerical study using calibrated thermoelectrical and hygrothermal models. • The En-ActivETICS was investigated considering local climatic and economic conditions among 38 European countries. • The roadmap 2030 for the En-ActivETICS advancement was developed and presented. The main goal of the European building market transformation regards the reduction of CO 2 emissions and energy demand in the built environment towards net zero carbon buildings. This drives research and building practice to search for economically justified solutions that contribute to achieving these objectives. The work presented in this paper is concerned with the technological and economic context. The original solution of photovoltaic integration with the external thermal insulation composite system named the En-ActivETICS was developed, tested and analysed. The energy potential of the En-ActivETICS across Europe, considering south oriented façade is from 88.3 to 195.8 kWh/(m2⋅a), with the efficiency of solar energy conversion of around 13–14%. The problem of system overheating was solved by applying PCM mortar beside the PV panel, which allowed to keep the PV temperature below 70 °C. The risk of moisture load (from driven rain or water vapour condensation) was avoided by diffusion channels pressed in the mortar. Furthermore, the economic analysis of system implementation in Europe is also promising. Considering the availability of solar energy and electricity prices around Europe the payback time of the En-ActivETICS varies between 12 and 44 years for analysed countries. According to the presented roadmap for the En-ActivETICS advancement a payback period of <10 years is possible with a maximum cost of the system <275 EUR/m2 and electricity price >0.25 EUR/kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Agent-Based Model to emulate real-world performance of microgrid with P2P trading. • Holistic simulation of economic, technical, and ecological metrics. • Validation of Model with urban area of medium-sized German city. • Comparison of microgrid metrics before and during the European energy crisis. • Conclusions for research, practice, and energy policy. The shift towards renewable energy sources (RES) in energy systems is becoming increasingly important. Residential energy generation and storage assets, smart home energy management systems, and peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading in microgrids can help integrate and balance decentralized renewable electricity supply with an increasingly electrified power, heat, and transport demand, reducing costs and CO 2 emissions. However, these microgrids are difficult to model because they consist of autonomous and interacting entities, leading to emergent phenomena and a high degree of complexity. Agent-based modeling is an established technique to simulate the complexity of microgrids. However, the existing literature still lacks real-world implementation studies and, as a first step, models capable of validating the existing results with real-world data. To this end, we present an agent-based model and analyze the corresponding microgrid performance with real-world data. The model quantifies economic, technical, and environmental metrics to simulate microgrid performance holistically and, in line with state-of-the-art research, consists of self-interested, autonomous agents with specific load profiles, RES generation, and demand-response potential. The model can simulate a P2P marketplace where electricity is traded between agents. In the second part of the paper, we validate the model with data from a medium-sized German city. In this case study, we also compare microgrid performance in 2022, during the energy market crisis in Europe, with historical data from 2019 to assess the effects of energy market shocks. Our results show how microgrids with P2P trading can reduce electricity costs and CO 2 emissions. However, our trading mechanism illustrates that the benefits of energy-community trading are almost exclusively shared among prosumers, highlighting the need to consider distributional issues when implementing P2P trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements in European air traffic management (ATM) constitute one of the key levers to reduce aviation emissions in the future to reach ambitious goals. In this paper, we evaluate the benefits of improved network-centric ATM with coordinated optimisation of capacity, delays, re-routings and emissions vs the present fragmented ATM which has generated high delays and extensive re-routing due to sub-optimal capacity provision. In addition, we analyse the impact on flight efficiency of a novel trajectory-independent airport-pair charging scheme, which makes shortest routes the cheapest for Airspace Users (AUs), which is not always the case with the current charging scheme in Europe. We test and evaluate proposed changes in ATM using a case study based on real data covering 3,000–4,000 flights in large parts of Western European airspace. We find that network-centric ATM can reduce variable costs borne by AUs by 21% and in particular re-routing cost (and associated emissions) by almost 64%. Furthermore, airport-pair charging can save almost 11% of costs for AUs and up to 320,000 tons of CO 2 emissions — if accompanied by adequate capacity changes that reflect the shift in demand towards shorter trajectories. We conclude that various stakeholder initiatives to reduce the fragmentation in European ATM and to move towards a more network-centric approach have merits and should be pursued by the policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Environmental and welfare implications of intermodal competition between the CR Express and maritime shipping are examined. • While increasing the welfare, CR Express increases emissions unless it is sufficiently emission efficient. • Such impacts are enhanced with more CR Express operators, or fewer shipping carriers. • The competition among Chinese local governments in supporting their own CR Express services also strengthens the impacts. • The analytical model is further calibrated with real market and operational data. China Railway Express (CR Express) has been fast developed, offering an alternative to transportation of the containerized cargo between China and Europe. This paper examines CO 2 emissions and social welfare implications of the intermodal competition between the emerging CR Express and incumbent maritime shipping. An analytical model is developed, which shows that the implications depend in general on the relative emission intensities of the two transport modes on a per-trip basis. The entry of CR Express and the resultant intermodal competition, while likely improving welfare, will increase emissions unless CR Express is sufficiently emission efficient. Such impacts on emissions and welfare are enhanced when there are more CR Express operators, or when there are fewer shipping carriers. The competition among Chinese local governments in supporting their own CR Express services also strengthens the impacts. The analytical model is further calibrated with real market and operational data on the route between China's Yangtze River Delta and Central Europe. Our numerical simulations show that intermodal competition leads to more emissions unless CR Express can achieve an approximately 90% reduction in emission intensity and that overall welfare is nonetheless improved. Policy and managerial implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A capacitated multigraph is presented that defines services (directed arcs) by transport mode, departure date, transit time, cost, distance and carbon emissions. • A Capacitated Multi-Commodity Flow Service Selection Problem is proposed to help shippers to choose transport mode, routes and the specific departure vehicle, train or ship. • This study analyses the regional patterns of CR Express versus maritime shipping under the dual impact of inventory cost and carbon emissions. • This paper provides some suggestions for shippers to route cargos, for operators to improve services and for government to determine carbon tariffs. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) entails investments to improve overland (rail) transport between Europe and China. This paper introduces a microscopic Multi-Commodity Flow Service Selection Problem for freight transport under the BRI and provides a decision tool for shippers to make door-to-door service plans. The minimizing objective function considers transportation costs, in-transit inventory costs, and carbon emissions. A series of sampled data of each provincial region of China are collected from Chinese multimodal transport operators. Results show that inland regions are strongly attracted to the rail mode for shipments to Europe. However, the "last mile" (including "first mile") transport from the shipper to the long-haul transport terminal strongly influences this choice, and carbon emissions are strongly influenced by the available last mile transport links. Under the dual impact of in-transit inventory and carbon emission costs, regions that prefer rail to maritime are much further east than suggested by previous literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two trends have shaped the European car market over the past decade: electrification and SUVisation. Recently, they have merged in a new product: the electric sport utility vehicle. This paper contrasts the view that regards this innovation as a technological solution to mitigate road transport emissions with a broader view that takes into account the battery requirement and profitability of such type of electric car. This broad view is formalised in a system dynamics model that captures the potential effects of supply side constraints. Four scenarios are simulated. The results show that the levels of CO 2 emissions of new cars are substantially reduced only in the one that assumes lower motorisation. Based on these simulations, the conclusion that the diffusion of electric sport utility vehicles does not necessarily contribute to mitigating car emissions in Europe is drawn. Less reliance on technology fixes, downsizing and reduced motorisation are identified as solutions worth investigating to meet ambitious climate goals. Further research on how vehicle manufacturers distribute batteries is needed. [Display omitted] • A novel system dynamics model of the new electric SUV market was developed. • Battery supply constraints considered as natural boundaries of road transport. • Four scenarios explored to simulate CO 2 emissions from cars in Europe. • Electric SUVs do not necessarily contribute to emissions mitigation. • Downsizing and lower motorisation are worth pursuing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore whether the female share on the boards of directors of companies influences CO2 emissions in both developed and emerging markets. Furthermore, the influence of cultural diversity on the board of directors on CO2 emissions is analysed. A sample of companies belonging to the MSCI and MSCI Emerging Market indices in Europe over ten years (2010–2019) was analysed using regression models with panel data. The results demonstrate that in both developed and developing markets, the ratio of women to men on the board of directors is inversely related to the company's CO2 emissions, which support legitimacy theory in two aspects: it fulfils the right to equality and non-discrimination for women, and it also reduces CO2 emissions. In general, cultural diversity had a negative influence on CO2 emissions. This research is relevant for policymakers and managers seeking to improve sustainability and equality policies in companies. If gender equality in corporate monitoring roles is environmentally beneficial for the planet, legislators will support quota policies. In addition, shareholders will have an incentive to implement gender equality policies, as they will legitimise the company in the eyes of society, which has economic benefits. On a practical level, this work will contribute to achieving gender equality in corporate governance and improve the understanding of factors influencing CO2 emissions to the environment. This study contributes to previous research since it is the first time that developed and emerging countries have been analysed with the same methodology in relation to gender and CO2 emissions. Moreover, this research differentiates between emission-sensitive and insensitive sectors, and it is the only study to carry out a sector-by-sector and a country-by-country analysis. Furthermore, cultural diversity on corporate boards has been scarcely studied so far in relation to CO2 emissions. • Gender diversity on boards of directors is associated to lower CO2 emissions. • Cultural diversity on boards of directors is positively related to CO2 emissions. • Improving gender balances on board of directors is a sustainable strategy. • Gender equality policies on corporate boards favor climate action and life on land. • Legal gender quotas on corporate boards contribute to good health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several European countries have decided to phase out coal power generation. Emissions from electricity generation are already regulated by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and in some countries like Germany the phaseout of coal will be accompanied with cancellation of emissions allowances. In this paper we examine the consequences of phasing out coal, for CO 2 emissions, the electricity sector, and the broader economy. We show analytically how the welfare impacts for a phaseout region depend on i) whether and how allowances are canceled, ii) whether other countries join phaseout policies, and iii) terms-of-trade effects in the ETS market. Based on numerical simulations with a computable general equilibrium model for the European economy, we quantify the economic and environmental impacts of alternative phaseout scenarios, considering both unilateral and multilateral phaseouts. We find that terms-of-trade effects in the ETS market play an important role for the welfare implications across EU member states. For Germany, coal phaseout combined with unilateral cancellation of allowances is found to be welfare-improving if the German citizens value CO 2 emissions reductions at 65 Euro per ton or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The environmental performance of PU-gypsum ceiling tile and standard gypsum ceiling tile has been investigated. • Several forms of environmental impact have been analysed. • A comparative cradle-to-grave LCA of two gypsum ceiling tiles has been carried out, the PU-gypsum ceiling tile having better results. • The LCA includes the production and construction phases, use and end of life, the production stage being the main contributor to the environmental impact. In this paper, the LCA of two gypsum ceiling tiles is compared, the first one is a traditional gypsum tile and the second is a new eco ceiling tile in which polyurethane foam waste has been incorporated. Both tiles were made at one of the largest gypsum tile factories in Europe. The life cycle assessment has been considered from cradle to grave for which the corresponding production stages have been defined. This includes the extraction and transportation of raw materials, the manufacturing process, transportation to the client, the use of the product and the end of its useful life. The results show that the tile with polyurethane has a better environmental performance than the standard commercial ceiling tile. This is quantified as a 14% reduction in energy consumption, a 14% reduction in CO 2 emissions and a 25% reduction in water consumption compared with the standard tile, all the while maintaining the technical performance. An analysis of the results suggests that the new eco product has a competitive advantage on the market thanks to its environmental improvements and good technical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and efforts to mitigate it have given rise to an interest in the relationship between industry competitiveness, energy efficiency, and carbon emissions. A better understanding of this relationship can be essential for economic and environmental decision-makers. This paper presents empirical research evaluating industry competitiveness through the factors of energy efficiency and carbon emission in Europe's most energy-intensive industries. The designed industry competitiveness measure index consists of seven components, grouped into three equally weighted sub-indexes: export performance, energy, and environmental. The export performance of the industry is described by the industry export growth rate, the share of the industry's export, and the effects on the industry's competitiveness of changes in a country's export. The energy intensity of the industry and energy prices are integrated into the energy sub-index. The environmental sub-index consists of the industry's emissions intensity, and the ratio of freely allocated allowances and verified emissions indicators. The findings indicate that countries with the highest index value also have a positive energy intensity and carbon emission indicator value. The average index value of each industry gradually reduces to zero, and the standard deviation of the index value shows a diminishing trend throughout all sectors, which implies that competitiveness in all sectors is increasing and that all countries are nearing the industry average. The ANOVA results show that: (1) the competitiveness index value was statistically significantly different in the investigated countries; (2) the competitiveness index value was statistically non-significantly different in the investigated industries; (3) there was a significant effect of the interaction between country and industry on the competitiveness index value. These results suggest that the country itself and industry/country interaction significantly affect the competitiveness index. However, it should be mentioned that industry per se does not substantially affect the competitiveness index score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]