30 results on '"Sanjuan-Delmás, David"'
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2. Environmental analysis of concrete deep foundations: Influence of prefabrication, concrete strength, and design codes
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Pujadas-Gispert, Ester, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, de la Fuente, Albert, Moonen, S.P.G. (Faas), and Josa, Alejandro
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- 2020
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3. Application of life cycle thinking towards sustainable cities: A review
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Petit-Boix, Anna, Llorach-Massana, Pere, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Sierra-Pérez, Jorge, Vinyes, Elisabet, Gabarrell, Xavier, Rieradevall, Joan, and Sanyé-Mengual, Esther
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- 2017
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4. Life Cycle Management Applied to Urban Fabric Planning
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Gabarrell, Xavier, Rieradevall, Joan, Josa, Alejandro, Oliver-Solà, Jordi, Mendoza, Joan Manuel F., Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Petit-Boix, Anna, Sanyé-Mengual, Esther, Klöpffer, Walter, Series editor, Curran, Mary Ann, Series editor, Sonnemann, Guido, editor, and Margni, Manuele, editor
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- 2015
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5. Environmental assessment of drinking water transport and distribution network use phase for small to medium-sized municipalities in Spain
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Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Petit-Boix, Anna, Gasol, Carles M., Farreny, Ramon, Villalba, Gara, Suárez-Ojeda, María Eugenia, Gabarrell, Xavier, Josa, Alejandro, and Rieradevall, Joan
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- 2015
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6. Roofs of the Future: Rooftop Greenhouses to Improve Buildings Metabolism
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Pons, Oriol, Nadal, Ana, Sanyé-Mengual, Esther, Llorach-Massana, Pere, Cuerva, Eva, Sanjuan-Delmàs, David, Muñoz, Pere, Oliver-Solà, Jordi, Planas, Carla, and Rovira, Maria Rosa
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- 2015
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7. Environmental assessment of different pipelines for drinking water transport and distribution network in small to medium cities: a case from Betanzos, Spain
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Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Petit-Boix, Anna, Gasol, Carles M., Villalba, Gara, Suárez-Ojeda, María Eugenia, Gabarrell, Xavier, Josa, Alejandro, and Rieradevall, Joan
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- 2014
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8. Top-down characterization of resource use in LCA : from problem definition of resource use to operational characterization factors for dissipation of elements to the environment
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van Oers, Lauran, Guinée, Jeroen B., Heijungs, Reinout, Schulze, Rita, Alvarenga, Rodrigo A.F., Dewulf, Jo, Drielsma, Johannes, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Kampmann, Tobias C., Bark, Glenn, Garcia Uriarte, Ainara, Menger, Pierre, Lindblom, Mats, Alcon, Lucas, Sevilla Ramos, Manuel, Escobar Torres, Juan Manuel, van Oers, Lauran, Guinée, Jeroen B., Heijungs, Reinout, Schulze, Rita, Alvarenga, Rodrigo A.F., Dewulf, Jo, Drielsma, Johannes, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Kampmann, Tobias C., Bark, Glenn, Garcia Uriarte, Ainara, Menger, Pierre, Lindblom, Mats, Alcon, Lucas, Sevilla Ramos, Manuel, and Escobar Torres, Juan Manuel
- Abstract
Purpose The methods for assessing the impact of using abiotic resources in life cycle assessment (LCA) have always been heavily debated. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of a common understanding of the problem related to resource use. This article reports the results of an effort to reach such common understanding between different stakeholder groups and the LCA community. For this, a top-down approach was applied. Methods To guide the process, a four-level top-down framework was used to (1) demarcate the problem that needs to be assessed, (2) translate this into a modeling concept, (3) derive mathematical equations and fill these with data necessary to calculate the characterization factors, and (4) align the system boundaries and assumptions that are made in the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) model and the life cycle inventory (LCI) model. Results We started from the following definition of the problem of using resources: the decrease of accessibility on a global level of primary and/or secondary elements over the very long term or short term due to the net result of compromising actions. The system model distinguishes accessible and inaccessible stocks in both the environment and the technosphere. Human actions can compromise the accessible stock through environmental dissipation, technosphere hibernation, and occupation in use or through exploration. As a basis for impact assessment, we propose two parameters: the global change in accessible stock as a net result of the compromising actions and the global amount of the accessible stock. We propose three impact categories for the use of elements: environmental dissipation, technosphere hibernation, and occupation in use, with associated characterization equations for two different time horizons. Finally, preliminary characterization factors are derived and applied in a simple illustrative case study for environmental dissipation. Conclusions Due to data constraints, at this moment, only characte, Validerad;2020;Nivå 2;2020-11-10 (alebob)
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- 2020
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9. Applying nutrient dynamics to adjust the nutrient-water balance in hydroponic crops. A case study with open hydroponic tomato crops from Barcelona
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GRIC - Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció, Sanjuan Delmás, David, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Muñoz Odina, Pedro, Gassó Domingo, Santiago, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GRIC - Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció, Sanjuan Delmás, David, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Muñoz Odina, Pedro, Gassó Domingo, Santiago, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, and Gabarrell Durany, Xavier
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Background:Global food production systems generate impacts such as eutrophication, caused by nutrient run-offfrom agricultural exploitations and exacerbated by climate change. Hydroponic cultivation methods arecommon in Mediterranean areas, although there is a gap in the literature with regard to their study. This studyaims tofill that gap, by assessing nutrientflows in hydroponic crops.Results:The results showed that most of the nutrients were drained with the leachates (51% on average), afigurewhich could be lower, if the nutrient supply were adjusted to the needs of the plants or if (closed hydroponic)nutrient recirculation were implemented, without compromising the nutrient uptake of the plant. Moreover, thestudy revealed that a significant quantity of nutrients was retained in the substrate (perlite) during the crop,reaching average values of 5% of incoming calcium, 6% of nitrogen, and 7% of phosphorus. In the case ofphosphorus and calcium, a regression model is presented for the estimation of their retention in hydroponiccrops.Conclusions:Although further studies will be needed to confirm the above trends, the study makes a significantcontribution to understanding the metabolism of nutrients in hydroponic crops and tofiner adjustments of thenutrient balance., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)
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- 2020
10. Quantitative sustainability assessment of household food waste management in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area
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Tonini, Davide (author), Wandl, Alex (author), Meister, K.R. (author), Munoz Unceta, P.A. (author), Taelman, Sue Ellen (author), Sanjuan-Delmás, David (author), Dewulf, Jo (author), Huygens, Dries (author), Tonini, Davide (author), Wandl, Alex (author), Meister, K.R. (author), Munoz Unceta, P.A. (author), Taelman, Sue Ellen (author), Sanjuan-Delmás, David (author), Dewulf, Jo (author), and Huygens, Dries (author)
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Food waste represents the largest fraction of the municipal solid waste generated in Europe and its management is associated to suboptimal performance in environmental, health, and social dimensions. By processing detailed multi-fold local data as part of a comprehensive and broadly understandable sustainability framework, this study quantifies the environmental and socio-economic impacts of household food waste management in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area based on priorities set by local stakeholders. Five alternative short-term management options have been assessed against the current system, relying on poor separate collection and incineration. Four options involve separate collection of food waste followed by biological treatments (home/centralised composting and anaerobic digestion) while one involves a mix of separate collection and centralised mechanical-biological treatment followed by anaerobic digestion. Among these, separate collection followed by anaerobic digestion coupled with effective nutrient and energy recovery is, according to our findings, the preferred option to improve the sustainability of the current system in all dimensions considered, except for the economic pillar due to the collection costs. Home and centralised composting as well as mechanical-biological treatment are associated to more adverse impacts based on our findings. The study informs local stakeholders and authorities on the potential consequences of their options, thereby allowing them to make sound choices for a future waste and circular economy strategy., Environmental Technology and Design
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- 2020
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11. Identifying eco-efficient year-round crop combinations for rooftop greenhouse agriculture
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Doctorat en Enginyeria Ambiental, Rufí-Salís, Martí, Petit Boix, Anna, Villalba Mendez, Gara, Ercilla Montserrat, Mireia, Sanjuan Delmás, David, Parada, Felipe, Arcas, Verónica, Muñoz Liesa, Joan, Gabarrell, Xavier, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Doctorat en Enginyeria Ambiental, Rufí-Salís, Martí, Petit Boix, Anna, Villalba Mendez, Gara, Ercilla Montserrat, Mireia, Sanjuan Delmás, David, Parada, Felipe, Arcas, Verónica, Muñoz Liesa, Joan, and Gabarrell, Xavier
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Purpose: Rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) are agricultural systems that can improve the food supply chain by producing vegetables in unused urban spaces. However, to date, environmental assessments of RTGs have only focused on specific crops, without considering the impacts resulting from seasonality, combinations of crops and nonoperational time. We analyze vegetable production in an RTG over 4 years to determine the crop combinations that minimize yearly environmental impacts while diversifying food supply. Methods: The system under study consists of an integrated RTG (i-RTG) with a hydroponic system in Barcelona, in the Mediterranean region. By using life cycle assessment (LCA), we evaluate the environmental performance of 25 different crop cycles and 7 species cultivated during the period 2015–2018. Three functional units are used: 1 kg of edible fresh production, 1 unit of economic value (€) in the wholesale market and 1 kcal of nutritional value. The system boundaries consider two subsystems: infrastructure (greenhouse structure, rainwater harvesting system and auxiliary equipment) and operation (fertilizers and their emissions into water and substrate). In addition, we perform an eco-efficiency analysis, considering the carbon footprint of the crop cycles and their value at the wholesale market during their harvesting periods. Results and discussion: Spring tomato cycles exert the lowest impacts in all categories, considering all three functional units, due to the high yields obtained. In contrast, spinach and arugula have the highest impacts. Regarding relative impact, the greenhouse structure presented a large impact, while fertilizer production had notable relative contributions in tomato cycles. Moreover, nitrogen and phosphorus emissions from fertigation are the main causes of freshwater and marine eutrophication. By combining the most eco-efficient cycles, we can see that growing two consecutive tomato cycles is the best alternative with the functional unit o, Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2020
12. Environmental analysis of concrete deep foundations: influence of prefabrication, concrete strength, and design codes
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. EC - Enginyeria de la Construcció, Pujadas Gispert, Ester, Sanjuan Delmás, David, Fuente Antequera, Albert de la, Moonen, Faas, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. EC - Enginyeria de la Construcció, Pujadas Gispert, Ester, Sanjuan Delmás, David, Fuente Antequera, Albert de la, Moonen, Faas, and Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro
- Abstract
There is great potential to reduce the environmental impact of the building sector, which is now an area of immense importance, through the optimisation of construction materials and components. This study assesses both the design and the construction of Concrete Deep Foundations (CDFs), which are widely used in construction, from an environmental perspective considering the following variables: (i) grade of prefabrication, i.e., fully cast in situ, partly prefabricated, and fully prefabricated; (ii) compressive strength of cast-in-situ concrete; and (iii) building design codes, i.e., current Spanish codes (EHE-08 and CTE), Eurocode with the Spanish annexes, and Eurocode with the United Kingdom annexes. In addition, the results of Dynamic Load Tests (DLTs) and the economic cost of several CDFs are evaluated. Geotechnical and structural designs of CDFs are carried out along with their life-cycle assessment. Some of the main findings include: (i) partially and fully prefabricated CDFs and conducting DLTs reduced the environmental impact in most categories (by up to 44% for global warming emissions) compared to the fully cast-in-situ CDFs, although they were 12–37% more expensive; (ii) changing the compressive strength of the concrete (in piles and cap) in fully cast-in-situ CDFs from 25 to 35¿MPa reduced the environmental impact by up to 14–17% in all categories and economic costs by up to 12%; and, (iii) CDFs with bored piles resulted in the lowest environmental burden when designed with Eurocode and UK annexes (11–31% less impact), as did CDFs with driven piles designed with current Spanish codes (11–18% less impact). The study variables and sensitivity analysis showed a significant effect on the results and should be considered in future construction, research, and building codes., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2020
13. SUstainable management of PRIMary raw materials through a better approach in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (SUPRIM)
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Garcia Uriarte, Ainara, Menger, Pierre, Garcia Zambrano, Laura, Alonso Galdames, Aritz, Kampmann, Tobias Christoph, Bark, Glenn, Alvarenga, Rodrigo A.F., Dewulf, Jo, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Drielsma, Johannes, Lindblom, Mats, Alcon, Lucas, Escobar Torres, Juan Manuel, van Oers, Lauran, Guinée, Jeroen B., Schulze, Rita, and Heijungs, Reionout
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Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap ,Earth and Related Environmental Sciences - Abstract
The project focuses on the assessment of the environmental impact of raw materials production and the development of services to better understand sustainability issues in the sector. The main objectives of the project are: • Development of a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) method to address resource accessibility in sustainability assessment and testing and validatingthe method. • Development of Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) datasets through case studies in collaboration with the industrial partners from the mining sector and apply anenvironmental assessment with the aim to better understand the environmental impacts of the production of copper and the sources of these impacts. • Bring the service to a broader audience, including the LCIA community, mining companies and their downstream users, policy makers, academia. Two case studies have been performed, the Cobre las Cruces mine in Spain, operated by First Quantum Minerals Ltd, as well as the Aitik mining operation innorthern Sweden, operated by Boliden Mineral AB. EIT RawMaterials upscaling project "SUPRIM"
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- 2019
14. Life cycle assessment of European copper mining : A case study from Sweden
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Kampmann, Tobias Christoph, Alvarenga, Rodrigo A.F., Sanjuan-Delmás, David, and Lindblom, Mats
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Geosciences, Multidisciplinary ,Multidisciplinär geovetenskap - Abstract
The application of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology in the mining sector has the potential to evaluate the environmental sustainability of the primary production of metals. As part of a wider project on developing LCA models and methods for mining, life cycle inventory (LCI) data have been collected at two European copper-producing mine sites, Aitik (Sweden) and Cobre las Cruces (Spain). Results from Aitik, including their impact analysis, identify the use of diesel and explosives, the emission of sulfur dioxide, as well as nitrogen and other emissions in the upstream supply chain of explosives and electricity, as significant contributors to the environmental impact. These outputs have influence on the impact categories Climate Change, Photochemical Ozone Formation, Acidification, as well as Terrestrial and Marine Eutrophication. Due to the increasing incorporation of LCA into legislative demands on the mining sector, mining companies need to establish the necessary infrastructure and framework to be able to provide the required data in a fast, transparent and cost-efficient manner. For this reason, some recommendations to improve communication and data management within the companies have been established from the experience gained within this project. This publication is part of the EIT Raw Materials Upscaling Project "Sustainable management of primary raw materials through a better approach in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (SUPRIM)"
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- 2019
15. Ecological network analysis of growing tomatoes in an urban rooftop greenhouse
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Piezer, Kayla, Petit Boix, Anna, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Briese, Briese, Celik, Ilke, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Apul, Defne S, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Piezer, Kayla, Petit Boix, Anna, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Briese, Briese, Celik, Ilke, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, and Apul, Defne S
- Abstract
Urban agriculture has emerged as an alternative to conventional rural agriculture seeking to foster a sustainable circular economy in cities. When considering the feasibility of urban agriculture and planning for the future of food production and energy, it is important to understand the relationships between energy flows throughout the system, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and make suggestions to optimize the system. To address this need, we analyzed the energy flows for growing tomatoes at a rooftop greenhouse (RTG). We used life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify the flows within the supply chain. We further analyzed these flows using ecological network analysis (ENA), which allowed a comparison of the industrial system to natural systems. Going beyond LCA, ENA also allowed us to focus more on the relationships between components. Similar to existing ENA studies on urban metabolism, our results showed that the RTG does not mimic the perfect pyramidal structure found in natural ecosystems due to the system's dependency on fossil fuels throughout the supply chain and each industry's significant impact on wasted energy. However, it was discovered that the RTG has strong foundational relationships in its industries, demonstrating overall positive utility; this foundation can be improved by using more renewable energy and increasing the recycling rates throughout the supply chain, which will in turn improve the hierarchy of energy flows and overall energy consumption performance of the system., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2019
16. Environmental effects of using different construction codes applied to reinforced concrete beam designs based on Model Code 2010 and Spanish Standard EHE-08
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. EC - Enginyeria de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Almirall, C., Petit Boix, Anna, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Fuente Antequera, Albert de la, Pujadas Álvarez, Pablo, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. EC - Enginyeria de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Almirall, C., Petit Boix, Anna, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Fuente Antequera, Albert de la, Pujadas Álvarez, Pablo, and Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro
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Assuming specific behavior models, the variety of design codes currently used for the design of concrete beams inevitably results in different solutions, ensuring service during the expected lifetime with a maximum functional quality and safety. However, from a sustainable design perspective, such differences may have remarkable environmental impacts. This paper analyses if the approach of the newest design code, i.e., the Model Code, leads to a reduction in resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) over the life cycle of concrete beams. To do so, a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of concrete beams was carried out depending on the reference code used for their design (i.e., EHE-08 or Model Code). The results show that reducing the amount of reinforcing steel is essential to minimize the life cycle environmental impacts of concrete beams. Every country may have its own design codes and, thus, the reinforcing steel use can vary for structures subjected to the same loads and with equivalent structural reliability. Hence, regulations play a key role in the sustainability of construction assets. Conclusions depend on the beam’s length (L), height (h) and characteristic compressive strength (fck). For short beams (4 m), the greater the h, the greater the reinforcement difference between the two codes. With regard to beams with L = 8 m, these differences can lead to varying steel and GHG savings, e.g., up to 5.0 % with MC-2010 (h = 0.6 m and fck = 35 MPa), almost 40 % with EHE – 08 (h = 0.6 m and 35 MPa < fck = 50 MPa) and more than 30 % with MC-2010 (h = 1.0 m).. For long beams (L = 12.0 m), steel consumption is 0.3 % to 19 % lower when the beam is designed with EHE-08, and this difference decreases as fck increases., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2019
17. WITHDRAWN: An operational framework for sustainability assessment including local to global impacts: Focus on waste management systems
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Taelman, Sue, primary, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, additional, Tonini, Davide, additional, and Dewulf, Jo, additional
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- 2019
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18. Environmental analysis of building shallow foundations: The influence of prefabrication, typology, and structural design codes
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament de Representació Arquitectònica, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GAT - Grup d'Arquitectura i Tecnologia, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Pujadas Gispert, Ester, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament de Representació Arquitectònica, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GAT - Grup d'Arquitectura i Tecnologia, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Pujadas Gispert, Ester, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, and Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro
- Abstract
The design of building foundations has usually been based on tradition, local practice, experience, and structural design codes. Safety is invariably considered the main factor and environmental criteria (or, in general, sustainability) is seldom given due consideration. However, similar safety indicators can be achieved with different variables and a minimum safety factor must always be ensured. The main objective of this study is, from an environmental perspective, to assess the influence of the construction system (cast-in-situ or precast), foundation type (rigid or flexible), and structural code (EC-2 or EHE-08) in the case of a concrete shallow foundation (CSF), using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Applying this methodology, the materials (concrete and steel) yielded the highest impacts in all categories, at around 95% for cast-in-situ CSFs and at around 85% for precast CSFs, both in relation to global warming. Consequently, optimization of the amount of these materials is crucial when considering the particular variables selected in this study. The results showed that cast-in-situ and flexible CSFs at moderately shallow depths (and therefore with less steel reinforcement) and precast CSFs with considerable reductions in concrete volumes (due to sloped shapes) had lower environmental impacts. In addition, cast-in-situ CSFs constructed in accordance with the EHE-08 structural code showed lower impacts, while precast CSFs complying with the EC-2 code were environmentally preferable. However, a specific study might be required for specific factors in each case (loads, soil type, structural settlement, among others). Relevant environmental effects associated with the three variables should therefore be given specific consideration in the development of structural design codes and future constructions., Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2018
19. Improving the metabolism and sustainability of buildings and cities through integrated rooftop greenhouses (i-RTG)'
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament de Tecnologia de l'Arquitectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GRIC - Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GAT - Grup d'Arquitectura i Tecnologia, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Llorach Massana, Pere, Nadal, Ana, Sanyé Mengual, Esther, Petit Boix, Anna, Ercilla-Montserrat, Mireia, Cuerva Contreras, Eva, Rovira, Maria Rosa, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Muñoz, Pere, Montero, Juan Ignacio, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Pons Valladares, Oriol, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament de Tecnologia de l'Arquitectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GRIC - Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GAT - Grup d'Arquitectura i Tecnologia, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Llorach Massana, Pere, Nadal, Ana, Sanyé Mengual, Esther, Petit Boix, Anna, Ercilla-Montserrat, Mireia, Cuerva Contreras, Eva, Rovira, Maria Rosa, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Muñoz, Pere, Montero, Juan Ignacio, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, and Pons Valladares, Oriol
- Abstract
Food security in cities is an increasing concern due to the impact of climate change and the concentration of world population in cities. Urban agriculture (UA) aims at enhancing food production in urban areas, providing potential environmental advantages by reducing food transport, packaging and waste generation. Among UA alternatives, rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) are greenhouses built on top of urban roofs, in which mainly soil-less agriculture systems are used to produce food. When RTGs are integrated into the metabolism of their buildings, they exchange CO2, energy and water to improve their performance. This alternative is called integrated RTG (i-RTG). This chapter analyses the use of i-RTGs to improve buildings and cities’ metabolism and its particular application in the area of Barcelona. This analysis aims to define a new agricultural system from a technological and sustainability approach focusing on Mediterranean cities. Our research is based on the development and results of the Fertilecity project. A particular experimental analysis was conducted at ICTA’s i-RTG lab located near Barcelona. The main factors of interest are architectural and engineering requirements, urban integration, CO2 emissions management, energy consumption, food production, social integration and rainwater harvesting. This analysis has used different methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC) and semi-quantitative assessments. Multiple integrated results were obtained both at the building and city scale. For example, we proved that the i-RTG and its flow exchanges with the building could help to save heating energy, waste generation, water consumption and CO2 emissions., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2018
20. Environmental assessment of an integrated rooftop greenhouse for food production in cities
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GEOMECMAT - Grup de Geotècnia i Mecànica de Materials, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Llorach Massana, Pere, Nadal, Ana, Ercilla-Montserrat, Mireia, Muñoz, Pere, Montero Camacho, Juan Ignacio, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GEOMECMAT - Grup de Geotècnia i Mecànica de Materials, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Llorach Massana, Pere, Nadal, Ana, Ercilla-Montserrat, Mireia, Muñoz, Pere, Montero Camacho, Juan Ignacio, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, and Rieradevall Pons, Joan
- Abstract
Vertical farming is emerging as an effective measure to grow food in buildings and can increase food production in urban areas in a more sustainable manner. This study presents a comprehensive environmental assessment of food production in an integrated rooftop greenhouse (i-RTG) – an innovative vertical farm consisting of a rooftop greenhouse connected to a building – and considers rainwater, residual heat (energy), residual air (CO2) and food from an industrial ecology perspective. This synergistic connection preserves resources and improves conditions in the greenhouse and the building. The goal of the study is to show the feasibility of the system and to calculate the environmental impacts from its whole life cycle, from infrastructure to end of life, by comparing these impacts with those of conventional production. The results show that the system is feasible and produced 30.2¿kg/m2 of tomato over 15.5 months. The synergy with the building allows the cultivation of winter-fall crops without supplying heating and maintained an average temperature 8¿°C higher than that outdoors. Moreover, rainwater was used to irrigate the crops, reducing consumption from the water supply network by 80–90%. The environmental assessment showed that the operation of the i-RTG has more impacts than the infrastructure (structure of the greenhouse, rainwater harvesting system and equipment) due to the use of fertilisers, which account for 25% of the impacts in four of the six impact categories studied. Regarding the infrastructure, the greenhouse structure and rainwater harvesting system of the building have substantial environmental impacts (over 30% in four of the six impact categories). Comparison with a conventional greenhouse demonstrates that the i-RTG has a better environmental performance, showing between 50 and 75% lower impacts in five of the six impact categories (for instance, 0.58¿kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of tomato vs. 1.7¿kg), mainly due to the reduced packaging and t, Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
- Published
- 2018
21. Environmental assessment of water supply: cities and vertical farming buildings
- Author
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Sanjuan Delmás, David, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, osa García-Tornel, Alejandro, Rieradevall, Joan, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals
- Subjects
Vertical farming ,Ciències Experimentals ,Eficiència en l'ús de l'aigua ,Water use efficiency ,Agricultura vertical ,Xarxa d'abastament d'aigua ,Red de abastecimiento de agua ,Water supply network - Abstract
S'espera que la sostenibilitat de les xarxes de subministrament d'aigua sigui un tema important en un futur pròxim a causa de la falta d'accés a l'aigua en àrees específiques, al creixement de les ciutats i a la renovació de xarxes velles. En aquest sentit, analitzar a nivell ambiental aquest sistema és clau per planificar futures xarxes, la qual cosa pot prevenir impactes ambientals significatius. A més, l'eficiència en l'ús de l'aigua a les ciutats és una altra qüestió important i cal analitzar els nous usos urbans de l'aigua, com l'agricultura. Aquest és el cas de l'agricultura vertical, que consisteix en la integració de sistemes agrícoles en edificis. Tot i que aquests sistemes de producció d'aliments urbans poden augmentar la demanda d'aigua a les ciutats, representen una oportunitat per reduir el consum i el transport d'aigua relacionats amb l'agricultura a nivell regional. Investigacions prèvies sobre xarxes d'abastament d'aigua es centren en analitzar estudis de casos específics a nivell municipal o regional, mostrant resultats molt diferents. Per tant, es requereix una avaluació integral del sistema des d'una perspectiva general per entendre quins són els factors clau que afecten els impactes ambientals de les xarxes. A escala edifici, la millora de l'eficiència en l'ús de l'aigua pot prevenir impactes ambientals significatius al llarg del cicle urbà de l'aigua, especialment per a nous usos de l'aigua com l'agricultura vertical. En aquest context, estudis anteriors han discutit el potencial d'aquests sistemes o implementat anàlisis basades en dades teòriques. No obstant això, encara falta manca avaluar cultius realitzats en un casos d’estudi reals. Aquesta tesi té com a objectiu aprofundir en aquestes àrees de coneixement analitzant el sistema urbà des de l'escala ciutat a alternatives locals específiques i busca respondre a les següents preguntes: (i) Quins són els principals factors que afecten els impactes ambientals de les xarxes d'abastament d'aigua a les ciutats i quines millores s'han d'implementar? - Escala ciutat (ii) Com d'eficaces són les tecnologies per a l'estalvi de l'aigua utilitzades a nivell d'edifici en les zones urbanes? - Escala edifici (iii) Els hivernacles integrats en coberta són una alternativa eficient i sostenible per a la producció d'aliments a les ciutats? - Alternativa específica Aquesta tesi contribueix a un major enteniment dels principals factors que influeixen en els impactes de les xarxes d'abastament d'aigua i aporta eines útils per a l'anàlisi ambiental d'aquests sistemes. Els planificadors urbans i els gestors de xarxes poden utilitzar els resultats per planificar xarxes sostenibles. A més, la investigació experimental realitzada en edificis innovadors amb tecnologies d'estalvi d'aigua i agricultura vertical demostra la viabilitat d'aquests sistemes avançats i destaca la importància d'optimitzar l'ús dels recursos. Investigacions futures en aquestes àrees de coneixement podrien centrar-se en els següents temes: • Avaluar l'ecoeficiència de la construcció de xarxes d'abastament d'aigua. • Implementació d'estudis estadístics addicionals sobre el funcionament de les xarxes d'abastament d'aigua. • Desenvolupar nous sistemes urbans que implementin el nexe aigua-energia-aliments per integrar la producció d'aliments i els problemes d'eficiència en l'ús de l'aigua. • Explorar tot el potencial dels i-RTGs i analitzar el sistema que conrea diferents cultius., Se espera que la sostenibilidad de las redes de suministro de agua sea un tema importante en un futuro próximo debido a la falta de acceso al agua en áreas específicas, al crecimiento de las ciudades y a la renovación de viejas redes. En este sentido, analizar a nivel ambiental este sistema es clave para planificar futuras redes, lo cual puede prevenir impactos ambientales significativos. Además, la eficiencia en el uso del agua en las ciudades es otra cuestión importante y es necesario analizar los nuevos usos urbanos del agua, como la agricultura. Este es el caso de la agricultura vertical, que consiste en la integración de sistemas agrícolas en edificios. Aunque estos sistemas de producción de alimentos urbanos pueden aumentar la demanda de agua en las ciudades, representan una oportunidad para reducir el consumo y el transporte de agua relacionados con la agricultura a nivel regional. Investigaciones previas sobre redes de abastecimiento de agua se centran en analizar estudios de casos específicos a nivel municipal o regional, mostrando resultados muy diferentes. Por lo tanto, se requiere una evaluación integral del sistema desde una perspectiva general para entender cuáles son los factores clave que afectan a los impactos ambientales de las redes. A escala edificio, la mejora de la eficiencia en el uso del agua puede prevenir impactos ambientales significativos a lo largo del ciclo urbano del agua, especialmente para nuevos usos del agua como la agricultura vertical. En este contexto, estudios anteriores han discutido el potencial de estos sistemas o implementado análisis basados en datos teóricos. Sin embargo, todavía falta una evaluación de cultivos realizados en un caso de estudio real. Esta tesis tiene como objetivo profundizar en estas áreas de conocimiento analizando el sistema urbano desde la escala ciudad a alternativas locales específicas y busca responder a las siguientes preguntas: (i) ¿Cuáles son los principales factores que afectan a los impactos ambientales de las redes de abastecimiento de agua en las ciudades y qué mejoras deben implementarse? - Escala ciudad (ii) ¿Cómo de eficaces son las tecnologías para el ahorro del agua utilizadas a nivel de edificios en las zonas urbanas? - Escala edificio (iii) ¿Los invernaderos integrados en cubierta son una alternativa eficiente y sostenible para la producción de alimentos en las ciudades? – Alternativa específica Esta tesis contribuye a un major entendimiento de los principales factores que influyen en los impactos de las redes de abastecimiento de agua y aporta herramientas útiles para el análisis ambiental de estos sistemas. Los planificadores urbanos y los administradores de redes pueden utilizar los resultados para planificar redes sostenibles. Además, la investigación experimental realizada en edificios innovadores con tecnologías de ahorro de agua y agricultura vertical demuestra la viabilidad de estos sistemas avanzados y destaca la importancia de optimizar el uso de los recursos. Investigaciones futuras en estas áreas de conocimiento podrían centrarse en los siguientes temas: • Evaluar la ecoeficiencia de la construcción de redes de abastecimiento de agua. • Implementación de estudios estadísticos adicionales sobre el funcionamiento de las redes de abastecimiento de agua. • Desarrollar nuevos sistemas urbanos que implementen el nexo agua-energía-alimento para integrar la producción de alimentos y los problemas de eficiencia en el uso del agua. Explorar todo el potencial de los i-RTGs y analizar el sistema que cultiva diferentes cultivos., The sustainability of water supply networks is expected to be a major issue in the near future due to the lack of access to water in specific areas, the growth of cities and the refurbishment of old networks. In this sense, analysing the environmental performance of this system is key to planning future networks—this can prevent significant environmental impacts. Moreover, water use efficiency in cities is another important issue and new urban uses for water, such as agriculture, need to be analysed. This is the case for vertical farming, which consists of the integration of agricultural systems in buildings. Although these urban food production systems can increase the demand for water in cities, they represent an opportunity to reduce the water consumption and transport related to agriculture at the regional level. Previous research on water supply networks focus on analysing specific case studies at municipal or regional level, showing very different results. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of the system from a general perspective is required to understand which are the key factors affecting its environmental impacts. At the building scale, improving water efficiency can prevent significant environmental impacts along the urban water cycle, especially for new water uses such as vertical farming. In this context, previous studies have discussed the potential of these systems or implemented analysis based on theoretical data. However, the assessment of crops conducted in a real case study is still lacking. This dissertation aims at contributing to understand more deeply these research fields, analysing urban areas from the city level to specific alternatives at the building level, and seeks to answer the following questions: (i) What are the main factors affecting the environmental impacts of water supply networks in cities and which improvements should be implemented? – city scale (ii) How effective are water-saving technologies used at the building level in urban areas? – building scale (iii) Are integrated rooftop greenhouses an efficient and sustainable alternative for food production in cities? – Specific alternative This dissertation contributes to understand the main factors influencing the impacts of water supply networks and provides useful tools for the environmental analysis of these systems. The results can be used by urban planners and network managers to planning sustainable networks. Moreover, the experimental research conducted in innovative buildings with water-saving technologies and vertical farming proves the feasibility of these advanced systems and highlights the importance of optimising the use of resources. Future research on the fields assessed might focus on the following areas: • Evaluating the ecoefficiency of the construction of water supply networks. • Implementing further statistical studies of the operation of water supply networks. • To implement the water-energy-food nexus to develop new urban systems that integrate food production and water use efficiency issues. • Exploring the full potential of i-RTGs and analyse the system growing different crops.
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- 2017
22. Environmental analysis of building shallow foundations: The influence of prefabrication, typology, and structural design codes
- Author
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Pujadas-Gispert, Ester, primary, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, additional, and Josa, Alejandro, additional
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- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Environmental assessment of an integrated rooftop greenhouse for food production in cities
- Author
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Sanjuan-Delmás, David, primary, Llorach-Massana, Pere, additional, Nadal, Ana, additional, Ercilla-Montserrat, Mireia, additional, Muñoz, Pere, additional, Montero, Juan Ignacio, additional, Josa, Alejandro, additional, Gabarrell, Xavier, additional, and Rieradevall, Joan, additional
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Environmental assessment of water supply : cities and vertical farming buildings
- Author
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Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa García-Tornel, Alejandro, Rieradevall, Joan, Sanjuan Delmás, David, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals., Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa García-Tornel, Alejandro, Rieradevall, Joan, Sanjuan Delmás, David, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals.
- Abstract
Bibliografia., S'espera que la sostenibilitat de les xarxes de subministrament d'aigua sigui un tema important en un futur pròxim a causa de la falta d'accés a l'aigua en àrees específiques, al creixement de les ciutats i a la renovació de xarxes velles. En aquest sentit, analitzar a nivell ambiental aquest sistema és clau per planificar futures xarxes, la qual cosa pot prevenir impactes ambientals significatius. A més, l'eficiència en l'ús de l'aigua a les ciutats és una altra qüestió important i cal analitzar els nous usos urbans de l'aigua, com l'agricultura. Aquest és el cas de l'agricultura vertical, que consisteix en la integració de sistemes agrícoles en edificis. Tot i que aquests sistemes de producció d'aliments urbans poden augmentar la demanda d'aigua a les ciutats, representen una oportunitat per reduir el consum i el transport d'aigua relacionats amb l'agricultura a nivell regional. Investigacions prèvies sobre xarxes d'abastament d'aigua es centren en analitzar estudis de casos específics a nivell municipal o regional, mostrant resultats molt diferents. Per tant, es requereix una avaluació integral del sistema des d'una perspectiva general per entendre quins són els factors clau que afecten els impactes ambientals de les xarxes. A escala edifici, la millora de l'eficiència en l'ús de l'aigua pot prevenir impactes ambientals significatius al llarg del cicle urbà de l'aigua, especialment per a nous usos de l'aigua com l'agricultura vertical. En aquest context, estudis anteriors han discutit el potencial d'aquests sistemes o implementat anàlisis basades en dades teòriques. No obstant això, encara falta manca avaluar cultius realitzats en un casos d'estudi reals. Aquesta tesi té com a objectiu aprofundir en aquestes àrees de coneixement analitzant el sistema urbà des de l'escala ciutat a alternatives locals específiques i busca respondre a les següents preguntes: (i)Quins són els principals factors que afecten els impactes ambientals de les xarxes d'abastament d'aigua a, Se espera que la sostenibilidad de las redes de suministro de agua sea un tema importante en un futuro próximo debido a la falta de acceso al agua en áreas específicas, al crecimiento de las ciudades y a la renovación de viejas redes. En este sentido, analizar a nivel ambiental este sistema es clave para planificar futuras redes, lo cual puede prevenir impactos ambientales significativos. Además, la eficiencia en el uso del agua en las ciudades es otra cuestión importante y es necesario analizar los nuevos usos urbanos del agua, como la agricultura. Este es el caso de la agricultura vertical, que consiste en la integración de sistemas agrícolas en edificios. Aunque estos sistemas de producción de alimentos urbanos pueden aumentar la demanda de agua en las ciudades, representan una oportunidad para reducir el consumo y el transporte de agua relacionados con la agricultura a nivel regional. Investigaciones previas sobre redes de abastecimiento de agua se centran en analizar estudios de casos específicos a nivel municipal o regional, mostrando resultados muy diferentes. Por lo tanto, se requiere una evaluación integral del sistema desde una perspectiva general para entender cuáles son los factores clave que afectan a los impactos ambientales de las redes. A escala edificio, la mejora de la eficiencia en el uso del agua puede prevenir impactos ambientales significativos a lo largo del ciclo urbano del agua, especialmente para nuevos usos del agua como la agricultura vertical. En este contexto, estudios anteriores han discutido el potencial de estos sistemas o implementado análisis basados en datos teóricos. Sin embargo, todavía falta una evaluación de cultivos realizados en un caso de estudio real. Esta tesis tiene como objetivo profundizar en estas áreas de conocimiento analizando el sistema urbano desde la escala ciudad a alternativas locales específicas y busca responder a las siguientes preguntas: (i) ¿Cuáles son los principales factores que afectan a los impactos a, The sustainability of water supply networks is expected to be a major issue in the near future due to the lack of access to water in specific areas, the growth of cities and the refurbishment of old networks. In this sense, analysing the environmental performance of this system is key to planning future networks—this can prevent significant environmental impacts. Moreover, water use efficiency in cities is another important issue and new urban uses for water, such as agriculture, need to be analysed. This is the case for vertical farming, which consists of the integration of agricultural systems in buildings. Although these urban food production systems can increase the demand for water in cities, they represent an opportunity to reduce the water consumption and transport related to agriculture at the regional level. Previous research on water supply networks focus on analysing specific case studies at municipal or regional level, showing very different results. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of the system from a general perspective is required to understand which are the key factors affecting its environmental impacts. At the building scale, improving water efficiency can prevent significant environmental impacts along the urban water cycle, especially for new water uses such as vertical farming. In this context, previous studies have discussed the potential of these systems or implemented analysis based on theoretical data. However, the assessment of crops conducted in a real case study is still lacking. This dissertation aims at contributing to understand more deeply these research fields, analysing urban areas from the city level to specific alternatives at the building level, and seeks to answer the following questions: (i) What are the main factors affecting the environmental impacts of water supply networks in cities and which improvements should be implemented? – city scale (ii) How effective are water-saving technologies used at the building level in urba
- Published
- 2017
25. Environmental assessment of drinking water transport and distribution network use phase for small to medium-sized municipalities in Spain
- Author
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Petit Boix, Anna, Gasol, Carlos M., Farreny, Ramon, Villalba Mendez, Gara, Suárez-Ojeda, María Eugenia, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Petit Boix, Anna, Gasol, Carlos M., Farreny, Ramon, Villalba Mendez, Gara, Suárez-Ojeda, María Eugenia, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, and Rieradevall Pons, Joan
- Abstract
Previous studies assessing the environmental impacts of drinking water supply networks have considered a bottom-up approach, analysing single case studies. This paper presents a top-down approach for the assessment of the operational phase of a water supply network. A representative sample of 50 cities was statistically analysed to find relations between different variables regarding electricity and water consumption linked with the environmental impacts of the network. The results show that some of the variables are clearly related to the relative energy consumption of the network. Such is the case for population size, where small municipalities have up to 14 times higher relative electricity consumption compared with medium-sized municipalities (1.15E-2 as opposed to 8.3E-4 kWh/m3 registered water km of network) due to case-specific factors such as a strong gradient between a water tank and the consumption point. Similarly, the cases showing low population density exhibit 7 times higher relative electricity consumption because of the longer distances that must be covered and the correlation between population density and size. The values found for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions derived from the energy consumption are consistent with results from previous studies: on average, 5.53 kg of CO2 eq. emissions/inhabitant·year are released, but the variability is very high, ranging from 0.005 to 67.8 kg of CO2 eq. emissions/inhabitant·year. No clearly significant correlations were found between the relative water demand and variables such as seasonality or income per capita, which might indicate that water consumption depends on individual decisions of the population rather than on the variables assessed. Models for the estimation of water demand, length of network and electricity consumption were defined. However, the modelling of electricity consumption presented more difficulties because of its high variability. A protocol for data collection should be defined and impl, Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2015
26. Environmental and geometric optimisation of cylindrical drinking water storage tanks
- Author
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. EC - Enginyeria de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Hernando Canovas, Elena, Pujadas Álvarez, Pablo, Fuente Antequera, Albert de la, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. EC - Enginyeria de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Hernando Canovas, Elena, Pujadas Álvarez, Pablo, Fuente Antequera, Albert de la, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, and Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro
- Abstract
The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11367-015-0963-y, Purpose: Urban water cycle construction processes are an important element to consider when assessing the sustainability of urban areas. The present study focuses on a structural and environmental analysis of cylindrical water tanks. The goal is to optimise cylindrical water tanks from both an environmental (environmental impacts due of life cycle assessment (LCA)) and a geometric perspective (building material quantities for construction purposes depending on the tank characteristics). Methods: A sample of 147 cases was defined based on different positions (buried, superficial and partially buried), dimensions (combinations of heights and radii) and storage capacities (between 100 and 10,000 m3). A structural analysis was conducted for a defined set of cases to determine the quantities of steel and concrete required for its construction. The environmental impacts of the entire life cycle were assessed through a life cycle assessment (LCA). Additionally, environmental standards (the less impactful option for each dimension assessed: geometry, storage capacity and position) defined in the study were applied to realistic cases to evaluate potential environmental savings. Results and discussion: The LCA shows that materials are the main contributor to environmental impacts (more than transport, installation and end of life cycle stages). For this reason, the results of the structural and environmental assessments coincide. Taller water tanks have shown to be less impactful (60 to 70 % less impact for a 10.000-m3 tank). Regarding the position, superficial water tanks have shown to have between 15 and 35 % less impact than buried ones. The environmentally preferred water storage capacity is between 1000 and 2500 m3, being between 20 and 40 % less impact. For instance, an 8000-m3 tank would emit 1040 t of CO2 eq. Applying the environmental standards 170.5 t of CO2 eq could be saved (16 % of the total amount). Conclusions: The results of this study show that among the case, Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
- Published
- 2015
27. Assessing the energetic and environmental impacts of the operation and maintenance of spanish sewer networks from a life-cycle perspective
- Author
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Petit Boix, Anna, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Chenel, Sergio, Marin, Desiree, Gasol, C.M., Farreny, Ramon, Villalba, Gara, Suárez Ojeda, María Eugenia, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Petit Boix, Anna, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Chenel, Sergio, Marin, Desiree, Gasol, C.M., Farreny, Ramon, Villalba, Gara, Suárez Ojeda, María Eugenia, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, and Rieradevall Pons, Joan
- Abstract
The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11269-015-0958-2, The environmental impacts resulting from sewer networks are best analysed from a life-cycle perspective to integrate the energy requirements into the infrastructure design. The energy requirements for pumping wastewater depend on the configuration of the city (e.g., climate, population, length of the sewer, topography, etc.). This study analyses and models the effect of such site-specific features on energy consumption and related effects in a sample of Spanish cities. The results show that the average annual energy used by sewers (6.4 kWh/capita and 0.014 kWh/m3 of water flow) must not be underestimated because they may require up to 50 % of the electricity needs of a typical treatment plant in terms of consumption per capita. In terms of Global Warming Potential, pumping results in an average of 2.3 kg CO2eq./capita. A significant positive relationship was demonstrated between the kWh consumed and the length of the sewer and between other factors such as the population and wastewater production. In addition, Atlantic cities can consume 5 times as much energy as Mediterranean or Subtropical regions. A similar trend was shown in coastal cities. Finally, a simple predictive model of the electricity consumption was presented that considers the analysed parameters., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)
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- 2015
28. Agrourban sustainability through rooftop greenhouses. Ecoinnovation on residual flows of energy, water and CO2 for food production
- Author
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament de Tecnologia de l'Arquitectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GRIC - Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. LiTA - Laboratori d'Innovació i Tecnologia en l'Arquitectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Llorach Massana, Pere, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Sanyé Mengual, Esther, Nadal, Ana, Cuerva Contreras, Eva, Planas Rodríguez, Carla, Pons Valladares, Oriol, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Montero Camacho, Juan Ignacio, Muñoz, Pere, Oliver Solà, Jordi, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Villalba Mendez, Gara, Rovira, Maria Rosa, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament de Tecnologia de l'Arquitectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GRIC - Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. LiTA - Laboratori d'Innovació i Tecnologia en l'Arquitectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials, Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Llorach Massana, Pere, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Sanyé Mengual, Esther, Nadal, Ana, Cuerva Contreras, Eva, Planas Rodríguez, Carla, Pons Valladares, Oriol, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro, Montero Camacho, Juan Ignacio, Muñoz, Pere, Oliver Solà, Jordi, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Villalba Mendez, Gara, and Rovira, Maria Rosa
- Abstract
Postprint (published version)
- Published
- 2014
29. Agrourban sustainability through rooftop greenhouses. Ecoinnovation on residual flows of energy, water and CO2 for food production
- Author
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Rieradevall Pons, Joan, Llorach Massana, Pere, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Sanyé Mengual, Esther, Nadal, Ana, Cuerva Contreras, Eva|||0000-0003-2016-1162, Planas Rodríguez, Carla|||0000-0001-5460-3008, Pons Valladares, Oriol|||0000-0003-1747-8150, Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro|||0000-0003-1180-7910, Montero Camacho, Juan Ignacio, Muñoz, Pere, Oliver Solà, Jordi, Gabarrell Durany, Xavier, Villalba Mendez, Gara, Rovira, Maria Rosa, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria de Projectes i de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament de Tecnologia de l'Arquitectura, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. GRIC - Grup de Recerca i Innovació de la Construcció, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. LiTA - Laboratori d'Innovació i Tecnologia en l'Arquitectura, and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. MECMAT - Mecànica de Materials
- Subjects
Desenvolupament humà i sostenible [Àrees temàtiques de la UPC] ,Sustainable buildings ,Edificis sostenibles
30. Application of life cycle thinking towards sustainable cities : a review
- Author
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Esther Sanyé-Mengual, Joan Rieradevall, David Sanjuan-Delmás, Elisabet Vinyes, Jorge Sierra-Pérez, Pere Llorach-Massana, Anna Petit-Boix, Xavier Gabarrell, Petit-Boix, Anna, Llorach-Massana, Pere, Sanjuan-Delmás, David, Sierra-Pérez, Jorge, Vinyes, Elisabet, Gabarrell, Xavier, Rieradevall, Joan, and Sanyé-Mengual, Esther
- Subjects
Engineering ,020209 energy ,Strategy and Management ,Urban sustainability ,02 engineering and technology ,010501 environmental sciences ,01 natural sciences ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Life cycle assessment ,Urban planning ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,Life cycle costing ,Life cycle thinking ,Life-cycle assessment ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,General Environmental Science ,Urban metabolism ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,business.industry ,Global warming ,Environmental resource management ,Building and Construction ,Strategy and Management1409 Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management ,Sustainability ,Sustainable policy ,Sustainabililty ,business - Abstract
Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu MdM-2015-0552 Defining sustainable cities is not straightforward. The main issues involved in urban sustainability are buildings, energy, food, green areas and landscape, mobility, urban planning, water and waste; and their improvement is promoted through different strategies. However, a quantitative method, such as life cycle thinking (LCT), is essential to evaluating these strategies. This paper reviews LCT studies related to urban issues to identify the main research gaps in the evaluation of these improvement strategies. The review identifies the main sustainability strategies associated with each urban issue and compiles articles that deal with these strategies through LCT, including environmental life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), social LCA (S-LCA) and life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA), as well as integrated analyses with combined tools. Water, waste and buildings are the urban issues that accounted for a larger amount of studies. In contrast, a limited number of papers assessed urban planning and energy (excluding energy in buildings). Strong interrelations among urban issues were identified, most of them including water. In terms of methods, 79% of the studies exclusively applied life cycle tools (i.e., LCA, LCC, S-LCA or LCSA). Within this group, the environmental dimension was the focus of 84% of the papers. Single environmental indicators (e.g., global warming) were common in 20% of the analyses, highlighting the need to integrate more impact categories to prevent trade-offs. In the field of social and sustainability assessment, there is a need for methodological advances that foster their application in urban areas. Further research should cover the thematic and methodological gaps identified in this paper, such as developing models that assess complex urban issues, generating comprehensive LCT studies and promoting multi-indicators. Life cycle tools might benefit from revising the methodology with stakeholders to optimize the understanding and communication of life cycle results for policy- and decision-making processes.
- Published
- 2017
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