814 results on '"LIFE CYCLE THINKING"'
Search Results
2. Development and Design Perspective of a Model for Analyzing the Social Life Cycle of Public Organizations: Examination of Existing Models.
- Author
-
Libom, Bernadette Sidonie, Traverso, Marzia, Mankaa, Rose Nangah, and Manzardo, Alessandro
- Abstract
This paper establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the social life cycle of public services through a thorough examination of existing literature published from 2013 to 2022. The central research question is to determine how insights from this literature review can contribute to the advancement of social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methodologies within the public sector. Methods: To address this question, we conducted a mixed-methods analysis of data sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The quantitative analysis determined the total number of S-LCA and SO-LCA papers published by main journals, and main authors. The qualitative analysis highlighted the different themes and research objectives addressed in the work relating to the S-LCA of products/services and organizations. Our findings indicate that a total of 222 papers on S-LCA were published across 94 journals. However, there is a noticeable gap in research specifically targeting public services, with most studies concentrating on products, services, and organizations. Despite the absence of direct scientific data, our study identified 17 actors, 74 impact subcategories, and 178 indicators that are potentially relevant to the S-LCA of public services. Given the unique characteristics of public services, it is imperative to develop tailored stakeholder categories, subcategories, and performance indicators for each service type. This approach will facilitate more accurate assessments of the social impacts of public services, thereby aiding both the scientific community and S-LCA practitioners in their evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Development of building stock model for an emerging city in India: Learnings for enabling circular economy in the built environment.
- Author
-
Sharma, Namya, Kalbar, Pradip P., and Salman, Muhammad
- Subjects
- *
CONSTRUCTION materials , *SUSTAINABLE construction , *CIRCULAR economy , *BUILT environment , *REINFORCING bars - Abstract
This study explores the prospects of urban mining for a steadily developing city "Thane," located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region of India, through building material stock accounting (BMSA). A novel bottom‐up approach for stock accounting was developed for the cities with limited data availability, through the integration of geodata spatial analysis, archetype identification through statistical modeling, and regional building design assessment for material intensity calculation. This study is the first of its kind in the Indian context and focuses on the stock estimation of the most common building materials: concrete, reinforcement steel, and masonry bricks within the boundaries of a typical Indian urban area. The results showed that the total built‐up stock in Thane city in 2018 amounts to 84.7 million metric ton (MT) by weight; concrete 57.7%, bricks 40.4%, steel 1.9%. Such reservoirs of raw material can be harnessed to fulfill the future material requirements of the construction industry through proposed circular economy interventions such as material bank creation, local recycling facilities, and development of a secondary material market. The material stock estimated in this study was 46.1 MT/capita for permanent building dwellers and with potential infrastructural developments underway, urban mining application can be ensured by redefining design and demolition strategies and multi‐level collaboration for generating alternative material sources for the construction sector. This work of BMSA intends to provide meaningful insights into exploring the potentials of urban mining and help chart the future roadmaps of sustainable construction in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Global state of the art of teaching life cycle assessment in higher education.
- Author
-
Viere, Tobias, Lehmann, Joshua, Miao, Zoe Chunyu, Harding, Kevin, Strothmann, Philip, Weyand, Steffi, Wright, Laurie, Chitaka, Takunda Y., and Sonnemann, Guido
- Subjects
PRODUCT life cycle assessment ,ASSESSMENT of education ,JUDGMENT sampling ,HIGHER education ,ENVIRONMENTAL chemistry ,LABOR market ,RESEARCH personnel - Abstract
Purpose: Globally, there is an increased demand for education on life cycle assessment (LCA). In response, there has been an increase in course availability, but also a lack of clarity on the comprehensiveness of these offerings and the resulting student competencies. Methods: A global survey was conducted to obtain empirical evidence on teaching LCA. The survey explored the availability of LCA courses globally and the depth of the teaching, including expected core competencies and related teaching and learning workloads. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted wherein eligible participants were approached by the researchers. Results and discussion: According to the survey, annually, over 10,000 students participate in more than 200 LCA courses. The results reflected the interdisciplinary nature of LCA with courses being taught across different disciplines, including engineering, chemical sciences, and economics. Estimated workload demands for achieving different competency levels were significantly lower than those estimated by an expert panel before. This may be attributed in part to respondents not accounting for the full workload beyond classroom interactions. Nonetheless, workload demands increased with competency levels. Conclusions and recommendations: The results emphasize the need for a common understanding of LCA teaching with regard to content, literacy levels, and competencies to avoid false expectations of the labor and research markets in terms of available expertise. Therefore, LCA curriculum development and program planning remain significant challenges and essential tasks for the global LCA community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Life cycle thinking-based analysis of diesel and electric-powered buses for Canadian transit systems.
- Author
-
Paudel, Bhuwan, Hewage, Kasun, Wannniarachchi, Sandun, Perera, Piyaruwan, Chhipi-Shrestha, Gyan, and Sadiq, Rehan
- Subjects
- *
ELECTRIC motor buses , *PUBLIC transit , *GREENHOUSE gases , *LIFE cycle costing , *BUSES - Abstract
Increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the conventional fleet of diesel buses has made Canadian transit agencies explore low-emission alternative fuels. Despite electric buses showing great potential to reduce emissions during their operational phase, the transformation from diesel buses to electric buses would require in-depth analysis pertaining to their economic and social implications. Published literature highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive framework that considers multiple decision parameters over a life cycle perspective for analyzing different fuel options to replace the existing fleet of diesel buses. This paper assesses the triple-bottom-line sustainability of diesel and electric buses in different regions of Canada. Moreover, a framework is proposed to incorporate multiple decision criteria (life cycle environmental, economic, and social impacts) over different perspectives to make the best decisions for transitioning the diesel bus fleet. The results showed that the environmental performance of electric buses highly depended on the electricity grid mix. Despite diesel buses having a low cost of production compared to electric buses, most provinces showed a low life cycle operational cost for electric buses. Electric buses' life cycle social impacts are high during their production stage, whereas diesel buses have the highest social impacts during their operational phase. Overall, electric buses have a high sustainability performance in all provinces and territories in Canada except Nunavut. The proposed framework and findings can aid policymakers and planners in implementing electric buses for public transit systems in Canada and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. The evolution of sustainable renovation of existing buildings: from integrated seismic and environmental retrofitting strategies to a life cycle thinking approach
- Author
-
Passoni, Chiara, Caruso, Martina, Felicioni, Licia, and Negro, Paolo
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Eco-efficiency of coffee production and consumption in the UK at the product and sectoral levels
- Author
-
Piya Gosalvitr, Rosa M. Cuéllar-Franca, Robin Smith, and Adisa Azapagic
- Subjects
Climate change ,Coffee drinks ,Environmental impacts ,Life cycle thinking ,Sustainable production and consumption ,Waste valorisation ,Environmental effects of industries and plants ,TD194-195 - Abstract
Coffee is one of the most consumed products globally, and yet its eco-efficiency is still unknown. To address this knowledge gap, this paper examines for the first time the life cycle eco-efficiency of different coffee drinks to identify the most sustainable options and opportunities for improvements in the coffee industry. Nine types of coffee are considered: espresso, latte, cappuccino, Americano, drip-filter, coffee pods, spray-dried and freeze-dried instant, and instant coffee mix. Taking a cradle-to-grave approach, the following life stages are included: coffee cultivation, production and consumption, and end-of-life valorisation of spent coffee grounds. The methodology follows the eco-efficiency ISO 14045 standard to measure the environmental efficiency of a system relative to the economic value it generates. The eco-efficiency is estimated at both the product (one serving) and sectoral (annual consumption) levels based on life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC) and economic value added (VA). The results show that latte has the highest environmental impacts and LCC but it also has the highest VA at both the product and sectoral levels. Spray-dried instant coffee, on the other hand, has the lowest impacts but also the lowest VA, which makes it the least eco-efficient option. Espresso emerges as the most eco-efficient drink because it has moderate environmental impacts and high VA. Latte and coffee pods are the second most eco-efficient drinks, followed by cappuccino, Americano, and instant coffee mix. Valorising spent coffee grounds could reduce the environmental impacts, LCC and increase the VA at the sectoral level. For example, the climate change impact would be reduced by 80.5–132.1 kt CO2 eq./yr and primary energy demand by 0.9–2.3 PJ/yr while also increasing the VA by £50.2–95 M/yr. When compared to some other food sectors, coffee is 6.4 times more eco-efficient than cheddar cheese and 5.4 times than ice cream and biscuits, respectively. The findings of this study can be used to guide businesses, consumers and policy makers in identifying more eco-efficient coffee products and improving the environmental and economic sustainability of the coffee industry.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. 第15回 エコバランス国際会議(EcoBalance 2022): ライフサイクル思考によるパラダイム転換(2022年10月30日~ 11月2日、福岡).
- Author
-
本下 晶晴, 木下 裕介, 大野 肇, 畑山 博樹, 中島 謙一, 中谷 隼, 天沢 逸里, 井伊 亮太, 磯部 眞弓, 井原 智彦, 江口 昌伍, 金本 圭一朗, 小林 由典, 重富 陽介, 正畠 宏一, Despeisse, Mélanie, 西野 成昭, 橋本 征二, and 林 清忠
- Abstract
Copyright of Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan is the property of Institute of Life Cycle Assessment, Japan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2024
9. The role of life cycle thinking-based methodologies in the development of waste management plans.
- Author
-
Cecere, Giuseppe, Bottausci, Sara, Esposti, Anna Degli, Magrini, Chiara, Mazzi, Anna, Camana, Daniela, Cappucci, Grazia Maria, Demichelis, Francesca, Miranda, Giovanni, Carollo, Federica, Sciarrone, Michela, Fedele, Andrea, and Rigamonti, Lucia
- Subjects
- *
LIFE cycles (Biology) , *WASTE management , *PRODUCT life cycle assessment , *REGIONAL planning , *CIRCULAR economy - Abstract
[Display omitted] • Assessing the use of Life Cycle Thinking methodologies in Waste Management Plans. • Evaluation of different levels of implementation of Life Cycle Assessment in WMPs. • Application of the developed model for reviewing WMPs at the Italian level. • Recommendation to improve the use of LCT methodologies in the preparation of WMPs. The aim of this article is to examine how Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) contributes to the development of Waste Management Plans (WMPs). The case of Italy has been deeply investigated. The article first analyses whether and how the LCT methodologies were applied to the 21 regional WMPs; then, it draws indications for using LCT in the preparation of a WMP. Moreover, it outlines why the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology could be used as a powerful tool for regional planning in the waste field, analysing the indications for preparing a WMP that already exist at the European level and in the Italian National WM Programme. Results reveal that only four of the 21 regional WMPs include comprehensive and site-specific LCA studies. Building on these case study results, insights into the opportunities and benefits associated with incorporating LCT methodologies into WMP development and implementation are provided. This study underscores the critical importance of LCT and LCA in promoting sustainable waste management practices, ensuring compliance with European directives, and offering a foundation for more informed regional planning strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. SUSTAINABLE AND CLIMATE-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS: WHAT ROLE IS THERE FOR PRODUCT STANDARDS?
- Author
-
KANICKÝ, JAKUB
- Subjects
FREE trade ,ENVIRONMENTAL protection ,PLACE marketing ,PERSONALLY identifiable information ,TREND analysis - Abstract
The legal regulation of products within the European Union has witnessed significant developments over time. Originally driven by the imperative to remove barriers to the free movement of goods, it gradually incorporated environmental considerations, albeit to a limited extent. However, the importance of environmental requirements for products is gradually increasing and the effort to ensure that products placed on the market are sustainable and climatefriendly is gaining momentum. This article delves into the fundamental aspects of regulating products in the EU through the establishment of standards. It offers an analysis of the main trends of European standard-based product policy from a historical perspective and discusses various general contemporary issues of product standard-setting in the view of ensuring a high level of environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Application of life cycle assessment to high quality-soil conditioner production from biowaste.
- Author
-
Arfelli, Francesco, Cespi, Daniele, Ciacci, Luca, and Passarini, Fabrizio
- Subjects
- *
PRODUCT life cycle assessment , *COGENERATION of electric power & heat , *RENEWABLE energy sources , *PHOTOVOLTAIC power generation , *SOIL conditioners , *ANIMAL waste , *AGRICULTURAL wastes - Abstract
• Renewable energy is essential to support biowaste valorization; • Soil conditioner outperforms peat in 14/18 categories, with notable carbon savings; • Cogeneration resulted to be preferable with respect to biomethane upgrading; • Local suppliers and the electricity mix have a role in achieving carbon neutrality. The recent large-scale urbanization and industrialization resulted in an impressive growth of solid waste generation worldwide. Organic fraction generally constitutes a large fraction of municipal solid waste and its peculiar chemical properties open to various valorization strategies. On this purpose, life cycle assessment is applied to an innovative industrial system that processes 18 kt/y of agricultural and livestock waste into a high-quality soil conditioner. The high-quality soil conditioner production system consists of a series of processes, including anaerobic digestion and vermicomposting, allowing the generation of a peat-like material with high carbon content, porosity, and water-holding capacity. The presence of a photovoltaic plant and a cogeneration plant, fed with the biogas produced in the anaerobic digestion, makes the system entirely self-sufficient from the national grid and generating a surplus of electricity of 1177MWh/y. The high-quality soil conditioner showed better environmental performances in 15 out of 18 impact categories when compared to alternative scenarios. In particular, the high-quality soil conditioner and the related biowaste management resulted in a carbon saving of around 397 kg CO 2 eq/ton compared with a scenario involving the employment of peat in place of the high-quality soil conditioner and a traditional biowaste management, and 165 kg CO 2 eq/ton compared with a scenario where cogeneration is replaced by biomethane upgrading. This study demonstrates the possibility of using organic waste as an environmentally sustainable and renewable source for energy and carbon to soil conditioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Life Cycle Analysis of a Particleboard Based on Cardoon and Starch/Chitosan.
- Author
-
Mata, Teresa Margarida, Freitas, Clara, Silva, Gabriela Ventura, Monteiro, Sandra, Martins, Jorge Manuel, de Carvalho, Luísa Hora, Silva, Luís Manuel, and Martins, António Areosa
- Abstract
This work analyzes the life cycle environmental impacts of producing a particleboard based on cardoon fibers and a starch/chitosan adhesive from a "cradle-to-gate" perspective, considering the following life cycle steps: raw material production, adhesive preparation (component mixing and heating), cardoon fiber preparation (crushing and sieving), adhesive and fiber mixing, hot-pressing and final processing. The functional unit is a particleboard with the dimensions of 220 × 220 × 16 mm
3 . For the life cycle inventory, experimental data obtained from the production of particleboard on a pilot scale were used. The Aspen Plus V9 software was used to simulate the heating process in the manufacture of the biological adhesive and obtain the data associated with this stage. Portuguese or European conditions were considered for the background processes, using data from the EcoInvent V3.5 LCI database. The environmental impacts were quantified using the RECIPE methodology. To complement the study, the VOCs present in the panel were analyzed using the "active headspace" technique. The results show that for most of the environmental impact categories, energy consumption is dominant, followed by starch and chitosan production. Using fully renewable electricity produced in photovoltaic panels, instead of the Portuguese electricity mix, significantly reduces the impacts in most of the environmental impact categories, for example, the carbon footprint is reduced by 34%. Future studies will analyze how the environmental impacts can be further reduced, and how process scale-up may influence them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Sustainability performance of interior wall types used in Canada: a life cycle thinking-based comparison.
- Author
-
Patel, Kartik and Ruparathna, Rajeev
- Subjects
- *
LIFE cycles (Biology) , *EXTERIOR walls , *SUSTAINABLE architecture , *CONCRETE masonry , *CONCRETE blocks , *BUILDING design & construction - Abstract
The wall system constitutes a large portion of the material used in building construction. Although interior walls cover more surface area within a building, published literature has mainly focused on the performance assessment of exterior walls. The aim of this research is to examine the life cycle environmental, social, and economic performance of interior wall construction methods (i.e., concrete block masonry, wood stud gypsum, and steel stud gypsum) used for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. The findings indicated that the environmental, social, and economic performance of concrete block masonry wall is 49%, 23%, and 18% higher than the next best alternative. This research has generated important information that can be used in material specification for greener building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Life Cycle Thinking and Circular Economy
- Author
-
Patti, Sebastiano and Patti, Sebastiano
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Data Quality Analysis as Part of Interpretation
- Author
-
Kölsch, Daniela, Giebeler, Sönke, Klöpffer, Walter, Series Editor, and Curran, Mary Ann, Series Editor
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Optimal Planning of Renewable Energy Integration for Off-grid Residential Buildings in Northern Regions
- Author
-
Liyanage, Don Rukmal, Hewage, Kasun, Sadiq, Rehan, di Prisco, Marco, Series Editor, Chen, Sheng-Hong, Series Editor, Vayas, Ioannis, Series Editor, Kumar Shukla, Sanjay, Series Editor, Sharma, Anuj, Series Editor, Kumar, Nagesh, Series Editor, Wang, Chien Ming, Series Editor, Gupta, Rishi, editor, Sun, Min, editor, Brzev, Svetlana, editor, Alam, M. Shahria, editor, Ng, Kelvin Tsun Wai, editor, Li, Jianbing, editor, El Damatty, Ashraf, editor, and Lim, Clark, editor
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Masonry Construction as a Solution for Healthy and Resilient Buildings: A Life Cycle Thinking Based Evaluation
- Author
-
Patel, Kartik, Ruparathna, Rajeev, di Prisco, Marco, Series Editor, Chen, Sheng-Hong, Series Editor, Vayas, Ioannis, Series Editor, Kumar Shukla, Sanjay, Series Editor, Sharma, Anuj, Series Editor, Kumar, Nagesh, Series Editor, Wang, Chien Ming, Series Editor, Walbridge, Scott, editor, Nik-Bakht, Mazdak, editor, Ng, Kelvin Tsun Wai, editor, Shome, Manas, editor, Alam, M. Shahria, editor, el Damatty, Ashraf, editor, and Lovegrove, Gordon, editor
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. An environmental management plan for construction waste management
- Author
-
Walaa S.E. Ismaeel and Nada Kassim
- Subjects
Construction waste management ,Environmental management plan ,Life Cycle thinking ,Waste management hierarchy ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 - Abstract
This study presents a proposed environmental management plan (EMP) for construction waste management (CWM). This life cycle thinking (LCT)- based EMP for CWM is set to constitute three sections. The former investigates means of waste minimization via source control strategies. The second section discusses CWM by monitoring and tracking the path of input building materials and output construction waste. The final section presents an input–output quantitative assessment of the CWM strategies undertaken. The proposed LCT-based EMP defines actions and activities for different phases and pinpoints the methods and procedures across the entire building process. Finally, it is applied to two groups of case studies showing the difference between CWM practices for green-certified and non-certified projects. The outcome shows how the proposed plan can present a novel approach integrating environmental management and best practices for CWM. This shall facilitate complying with international standards and building rating systems for achieving environmental stewardship.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. The Green Value Engineering Methodology: A Sustainability-Driven Project Management Tool for Capital Projects in Process Industry.
- Author
-
Rosengart, Alessandro, Granzotto, Maja, Wierer, Rudi, Pazzaglia, Gianluca, Salvi, Alessandro, and Dotelli, Giovanni
- Abstract
Process industry renovation is mostly driven by business objectives like productivity enhancement and cost reduction, which hinder the "shift towards a sustainable manufacturing" called by political and academic institutions. In this paper, the project management methodology of Value Engineering, used for cost reduction in large capital projects, is extended to improve not only economic figures, but also environmental sustainability indicators. The methods can guide project design to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste, closing a gap between sustainability targets and production needs. Sustainability metrics derived from a simplified life cycle assessment approach are used to achieve quick but reliable estimates of the environmental impact reductions against a base scenario. The project governance is thus supported when assessing potential trade-offs between environmental and economic advantage, encouraging shared and de-risked decisions. Even though limited by the project boundaries of time and budget and by the simplified impact assessment approach, the method promotes a lean and incremental implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices, applicable also to routinary interventions. The methodology is illustrated through application examples from a real case study, an EUR 100 M chemical plant expansion project for a pharmaceutical company in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Carbon Footprint Calculation of Net CO2 in Agroforestry and Agroindustry of Gayo Arabica Coffee, Indonesia.
- Author
-
Pramulya, Rahmat, Bantacut, Tajuddin, Noor, Erliza, Yani, Mohamad, Zulfajrin, Moh, Setiawan, Yudi, Pulunggono, Heru Bagus, Sudrajat, Sudrajat, Anne, Olga, Anwar, Shazma, Adinurani, Praptiningsih Gamawati, Siregar, Kiman, Prasetyo, Hendro, Harsono, Soni Sisbudi, Novita, Elida, Rahmah, Devi Maulida, Nguyen Ngoc Huu, Agustia, Devi, and Rasyid, Maya Indra
- Subjects
- *
AGROFORESTRY , *ECOLOGICAL impact , *COFFEE plantations , *COFFEE , *CARBON emissions , *CARBON dioxide - Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere occurs as the result of various chemical, physical, and biological processes. The presence of CO2 around atmosphere greatly affects the agroforestry and agroindustry of coffee. This study aimed to describe the CO2 cycle in agroforestry and agroindustry of Gayo Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) and net CO2 ha-1 of coffee plantation. CO2 cycle was analyzed based on the movement of CO2 around the agroforestry and agroindustry of coffee. CO2 cycle model describes net CO2, CO2 emission, CO2 reduction, and CO2 sequestration. Net CO2 ha-1 of coffee plantation was 162.75 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1, with CO2 emission was 203.84 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1, CO2 reduction was 3.10 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1, and CO2 sequestration was 363.49 x 10-2 t CO2 e ha-1. This research formulates the calculation of equivalent carbon emissions in the arabica coffee production system in the field and primary processing, using various methods (remote sensing analysis and calculation of direct and indirect equivalent carbon emissions). The CO2 cycle positively impacts the sustainability of agroforestry and agroindustry of Gayo Arabica coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. A matter of timing: System requirements for repair and their temporal dimensions.
- Author
-
Russell, Jennifer D., Svensson‐Hoglund, Sahra, Richter, Jessika Luth, Dalhammar, Carl, and Milios, Leonidas
- Subjects
- *
LIFE cycles (Biology) , *REPAIRING , *PRODUCT life cycle , *CIRCULAR economy , *INDUSTRIAL ecology - Abstract
Research into repair within the circular economy (CE) typically focuses on technical aspects of design, policy, and markets, and often assumes simplified conditions for the user/owner and the product system to explain the barriers to scaling repair activities. However, factors occurring at pre‐use stages of the product's life cycle can significantly influence whether, and to what extent, repair is viable or possible, that is, warranty duration, after‐sale service provision, and access to necessities. The passing of time can directly and indirectly affect the ability, difficulty, and thus, the likelihood of repair activities being performed at each stage of the product's life cycle. Drawing from the literature and applying inductive systems‐thinking tools, we propose a framework for considering the "System of Repairability." We delineate how the passing of time (temporal dimensions) affects one's "ability to repair," as a product progresses through different life cycle phases (i.e., breakdown vs. repair vs. disposal), and the point(s) at which the repair is considered or attempted (i.e., year of usage). By integrating life cycle and temporal (time‐based) dimensions into a broad System of Repairability framework, we clarify relevant interconnections, iterations, sequences, and timing of decision points, stakeholders, and necessary conditions to facilitate an outcome of successful repair at the individual level, and thus intervention strategies for scaling repair within CE. We discuss how a policy mix can address the life cycle of products and the repair system more holistically. We conclude with a future outlook on how temporal dimensions can inform policy strategies and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Life Cycle Thinking for a Circular Bioeconomy: Current Development, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.
- Author
-
Ramos Huarachi, Diego Alexis, Hluszko, Cleiton, Ulloa, Micaela Ines Castillo, Moretti, Vinicius, Ramos Quispe, Julio Abraham, Puglieri, Fabio Neves, and Francisco, Antonio Carlos de
- Abstract
The circular bioeconomy (CBE) is an increasingly popular method used to add value to bio-based products. However, these products entail impacts on sustainability that can be assessed by life cycle thinking (LCT). Therefore, this manuscript aims to describe the current development of using LCT for a CBE and to identify challenges and future perspectives with regard to this topic. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), analyzing a final portfolio of 57 documents. The results indicated that the use of LCT for a CBE is very recent and has been increasing over the years, is concentrated in Europe, and mainly assesses the conversion of biowastes in biofuels through biorefinery processes, considering mostly environmental concerns, by applying life cycle assessment; thus neglecting economic and social issues. The use of system boundaries, software, databases, and impact assessment methods was reviewed. Five challenges were revealed (the expansion of system boundaries, the consideration of more endpoints, the development and use of regional databases, the development of policies to encourage CBE, and the addition of economic and social issues. Future perspectives will be aimed at considering microalgae, wastewater, and animal biomass in CBE processes, developing more value-added bioproducts and biofuels, and adding cost assessment and more circularity to CBE processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Assessing CO 2 Emissions of Online Food Delivery in Japan.
- Author
-
Hu, Xujie, Liu, Chen, Zhuo, Qiannan, and Moon, Dami
- Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown of cities have led to the rapid growth of online food delivery (OFD). Moreover, there are concerns that OFD platforms may impose offers on users in order to continue to increase their market share, leading to numerous environmental issues such as overconsumption and a significant increase in plastic packaging waste. Most studies have focused on the environmental impacts associated with food packaging and have been mostly limited to China. However, less research has been carried out on the overall CO
2 emissions of an OFD order including food. In this study, the CO2 emissions of an OFD order were assessed by considering the production, distribution, consumption and disposal of the ingredients, based on lifecycle thinking and existing secondary data, for three representative food groups (Western food, Japanese food and Chinese food) in Japan. This study found that the food production of an OFD order accounts for more than 70% of the CO2 emissions of the entire process, especially food ingredient production. Policy support and initiatives such as OFD platforms being able to serve different quantities of food based on actual consumer demand to avoid food waste, as well as changes in delivery methods, would help reduce the CO2 emissions of OFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Transforming road freight transportation from fossils to hydrogen: Opportunities and challenges.
- Author
-
Wanniarachchi, Sandun, Hewage, Kasun, Wirasinghe, Chan, Chhipi-Shrestha, Gyan, Karunathilake, Hirushie, and Sadiq, Rehan
- Subjects
- *
HYDROGEN as fuel , *AUTOMOTIVE transportation , *FUEL cell vehicles , *FUEL cells , *FREIGHT & freightage , *ALTERNATIVE fuel vehicles , *LITERATURE reviews - Abstract
Hydrogen-based transportation has gained popularity and has presented significant growth over the past few years, providing an excellent platform for capitalizing on natural resources while attaining global carbon policies and sustainability targets. However, lack of infrastructure, cost of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fuel, and absence of established hydrogen supply chains have been identified as critical challenges of hydrogen-based mobility. Despite current studies predominantly focusing on hydrogen-fueled passenger vehicles and related infrastructure, it was identified that the impacts of hydrogen fuel supply chain for freight transportation from a life cycle thinking perspective have been largely overlooked. This article aims at critically reviewing the existing body-of-knowledge on the current status of hydrogen fueling supply chain and exploring the potential of integrating hydrogen fuel for road freight transportation. Accordingly, the current status of alternative fuel use for freight transportation is discussed over technical, economic, and environmental dimensions outlining its benefits and challenges. Moreover, the pertinence of innovative and established methods of hydrogen production, distribution, and storage for freight transportation are evaluated based on a comprehensive literature review. This study reveals that the transformation of freight transportation into low-emission alternative fuels would require a comprehensive multicriteria assessment that includes technical, economic, environmental, and social feasibilities over the life cycle of the freight vehicle and the fuel supply chain. Moreover, decision parameters affecting the optimal fuel selection process were established through this study, while providing insights on the future prospects for hydrogen-fueled freight transformation in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. A Sustainability-Based Approach for Geotechnical Infrastructure
- Author
-
Pettinaroli Andrea, Susani Stefano, Castellanza Riccardo, Collina Elena Maria, Pierani Matteo, Paoli Riccardo, and Romagnoli Francesco
- Subjects
built environment ,eco-design ,geotechnics ,lca ,life cycle thinking ,sustainability ,transportation infrastructure ,Renewable energy sources ,TJ807-830 - Abstract
Urban growth needs large cities, and the current emphasis on landscape preservation makes using underground spaces an opportunity and a significant necessity. However, underground construction techniques significantly impact the sustainability of the built environment, including infrastructure systems and their entire supply chains. Nowadays, there is a shortage of quantitative methodologies to assess and measure the sustainability of construction and underground building processes towards the three sustainable pillars, i.e. environmental, social, and economic. Thus, this study aims to cover this gap by explaining how to appropriately incorporate sustainability goals into geotechnical projects to address measure-driven strategies and eco-design-based solutions. This study illustrates a novel methodology based on the Life Cycle Thinking approach, with an emphasis on geotechnical ground improvement techniques. The proposed method incorporates the concept of the EU Taxonomy, following the EU Green Deal, with the Envision framework to guide decision-makers toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable infrastructure design. The proposed method will incorporate a cradle-to-site Life Cycle Assessment perspective, improving the quantitative estimation of the environmental performance of construction processes and providing guidelines to systematically assess the sustainability of geotechnical infrastructures.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Environmental Impact Assessment of PEM Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power Generation System for Residential Application Considering Cathode Catalyst Layer Degradation.
- Author
-
Tochigi, Shota and Dowaki, Kiyoshi
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *FUEL cells , *PROTON exchange membrane fuel cells , *GLOBAL warming , *CATALYSTS , *OSTWALD ripening , *PRODUCT life cycle assessment - Abstract
Recently, fuel cell combined heat and power systems (FC-CGSs) for residential applications have received increasing attention. The International Electrotechnical Commission has issued a technical specification (TS 62282-9-101) for environmental impact assessment procedures of FC-CGSs based on the life cycle assessment, which considers global warming during the utilization stage and abiotic depletion during the manufacturing stage. In proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), platinum (Pt) used in the catalyst layer is a major contributor to abiotic depletion, and Pt loading affects power generation performance. In the present study, based on TS 62282-9-101, we evaluated the environmental impact of a 700 W scale PEMFC-CGS considering cathode catalyst degradation. Through Pt dissolution and Ostwald ripening modeling, the electrochemical surface area transition of the Pt catalyst was calculated. As a result of the 10-year evaluation, the daily power generation of the PEMFC-CGS decreased by 11% to 26%, and the annual global warming value increased by 5% due to the increased use of grid electricity. In addition, when Pt loading was varied between 0.2 mg/cm2 and 0.4 mg/cm2, the 10-year global warming values were reduced by 6.5% to 7.8% compared to the case without a FC-CGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Rice Production Chain: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment—A Review.
- Author
-
Vinci, Giuliana, Ruggieri, Roberto, Ruggeri, Marco, and Prencipe, Sabrina Antonia
- Subjects
SOCIAL impact assessment ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,PRODUCT life cycle assessment ,LIFE cycles (Biology) ,RICE ,ORGANIC farming - Abstract
Rice is the most widely used cereal for human consumption, attributing its production as one of the most important activities for the global population. Therefore, given its economic and nutritional value, assessing the sustainability of this production process could be worth noting. In this regard, this research aims to investigate the most recent literature related to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of rice primary production, to clarify the extent to which Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and thus the three pillars of sustainability have been applied in the rice sector, as well as to highlight possible research gaps. Thus, 40 articles (2012–2022) were analyzed. The main research gaps that were found were, firstly, that there was a lesser tendency to consider multiple functional units, highlighting how little multifunctionality is considered. As to be expected, there was also a great difference in methodological choices, which often leads to a great variability of results, making evaluations and comparisons of impacts uncertain. These were also highly dependent on soil and climate conditions in the various countries, which could in turn affect input utilization, and results. The study of the impacts of primary rice production was then addressed by a few countries, among which some of the largest producers were absent, while the least considered aspects were related to the depletion of abiotic resources and the promotion of organic farming. Finally, sustainability assessments in rice production had little focus on the socio-economic dimension, showing how little LCT is considered. Therefore, based on this consideration, a Social Life Cycle Assessment was integrated into the study, the results of which show that the countries with medium to high social impacts could be India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Positive Impact Product Engineering (PIPE) Model - The way to net-positive sustainable products.
- Author
-
Mörsdorf, Simon and Vielhaber, Michael
- Abstract
Products have multiple impacts on the three pillars of sustainability, which can be assessed using a variety of methods. Existing sustainable design methods aim at reducing these mostly negative impacts. Combined with emerging compensation measures, there are possibilities to leave a net-positive footprint in certain categories, such as CO 2 -emissions. Positive Impact Product Engineering (PIPE) aims to extend this approach to all categories in all pillars to create an overall net-positive impact on the environment, society and economy. The PIPE model describes a four-phase product development process driven by an iterative sequence of synthesis activities that generate product properties, followed by analysis activities to assess impacts on the sustainability pillars. Through this optimization loop, positive impacts should be maximized, negative impacts should be avoided or reduced as much as possible, and in the final sequence, compensated for. By integrating synthesis and analysis results at the end of each phase, the way to net-positive products can be assured stepwise. The result of the product development process should be a fully analyzed product system that includes the business model, the entire product life cycle and all necessary value chains, so that the resulting impacts can be converted to net-positive using appropriate compensation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Economic Indicators for Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment: Going beyond Life Cycle Costing.
- Author
-
Arulnathan, Vivek, Heidari, Mohammad Davoud, Doyon, Maurice, Li, Eric P. H., and Pelletier, Nathan
- Abstract
Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is universally accepted as the method of choice for economic assessment in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) but the singular focus on costs is ineffective in representing the multiple facets of economic sustainability. This review intends to identify other economic indicators to potentially complement the use of LCC in LCSA. Papers for the review were identified in the Web of Science Core Collection database for the years 2010–2021. The shortlisted indicators were analyzed using 18 criteria. The 21 indicators analyzed performed well with respect to the review criteria for indicator methodology and use but most are unsuitable for direct integration into the LCC/LCSA framework due to the inability to aggregate across life cycles and a lack of correspondingly granular data. The indicators were grouped into six economic impact categories—profitability, productivity, innovation, stability, customers, and autonomy—each of which represents a significant aspect of economic sustainability. On this basis, a conceptual framework is proposed that could maintain the utility of LCC while integrating additional indicators to enable more holistic economic assessments in LCSA. Considering additional economic indicators in LCSA ensures that the positive aspects of LCC are preserved while also improving economic assessment in LCSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. The Olive-Oil Chain of Salerno Province (Southern Italy): A Life Cycle Sustainability Framework.
- Author
-
Maffia, Angela, Palese, Assunta Maria, Pergola, Maria, Altieri, Gessica, and Celano, Giuseppe
- Subjects
LIFE cycles (Biology) ,OLIVE oil ,LIFE cycle costing ,PRODUCT life cycle assessment ,COMPOSTING ,SUSTAINABILITY ,ECOLOGICAL impact - Abstract
Agriculture, and the related food systems, represents one of the sectors that use most of the available water resources and is responsible for a large part of the greenhouse gases increase in Earth's atmosphere. The aim of the present research was to estimate the three dimensions of sustainability—identified by the 2030 Agenda—of the olive oil supply chain in a typical production area within Campania Region (South Italy), through the analysis of seven different olive oil systems: four certified as organic, two of which irrigated (BIO1, BIO2, BIO-IRR1, BIO-IRR2); two integrated (INT1, INT2); and one hobbyist (HOBB). The novelty of the research was the broad-spectrum sustainability evaluation of these systems, through the estimation of their water and carbon footprints, and some economic and social aspects, to classify them in sustainability classes. So, the Life Cycle Thinking approach was used to quantify the environmental impacts and the social issues, as well as the costs of production of 1 litre of packed oil produced. Environmental impacts were assessed thought the life cycle assessment methodology, with a focus on the global warming and the water footprint, using the SimaPro 9.0 software and Hoekstra methodology, respectively. The cost production evaluation was performed by the life cycle costing methodology, while a primordial approach of social sustainability estimation was built identifying the stakeholders involved and suitable impact categories. Results showed that, per litre of oil, HOBB and BIO2 were the systems that emitted less CO
2 eq (0.73 and 1.50 kg, respectively); BIO-IRR1 and BIO1 were the systems with the smallest water footprint (2.97 and 3.65 m3 , respectively); HOBB and BIO1 were the systems with the lowest production costs (3.11 and 3.87 €, respectively). From a social point of view, INT1 and INT2 were the most pro-social systems. Overall, BIO1 was in absolute the most sustainable system under the various aspects considered. Hence the need to spread more and more (a) organic production methods, characterized by the use of self-produced fertilizers (on-farm compost); (b) more efficient machines use, for saving fuel; (c) balanced nitrogen fertilization to lower the water footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Economic and Environmental Evaluation of a Single-Story Steel Building in Its Life Cycle: A Comprehensive Analysis.
- Author
-
Vela, Silvia, Calderini, Chiara, Rosasco, Paolo, and Strazza, Carlo
- Abstract
In this study, the possibility of applying the Life Cycle Thinking approach to structural design, considering all aspects and phases of the structure's life, is investigated. The idea is to develop a procedure for the analysis of the economic and environmental impacts of structures in their life cycle, including not only ordinary costs along life cycle phases but also the extraordinary costs resulting from damage and anticipated end-of-life caused by unexpected natural hazards. The building performance under extraordinary conditions is calculated according to a time-based Loss Assessment Analysis. Such analysis provides the probable performance of a building and its components over a given period of time, considering all the hazardous events that can occur in that period, the probability of occurrence of each event, and the related effects. The outlined approach is applied to a case study of a single-story steel office building located in Italy. Two LC scenarios, having a duration of 2 years and 50 years, are considered. Results show that contributions of environmental impacts and benefits related to end-of-life management and economic losses for natural hazards are significant and not negligible. It is highlighted that the greatest challenge faced when using such a comprehensive approach is represented by data availability and representativeness that deeply limits the possibility of its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Decarbonizing polyamide textile production in China: Footprints and mitigation pathways from life cycle perspective.
- Author
-
He, Bailin, Duan, Haiyan, Yang, Wei, Yabar, Helmut, and Song, Junnian
- Subjects
CARBON dioxide mitigation ,HEAT of combustion ,TEXTILE industry ,COTTON textiles ,GREENHOUSE gas mitigation ,POLYAMIDES - Abstract
Escalating demand for textiles has led to the entire supply chain contributing 8 % of global GHGs emissions. However, the carbon footprint (CF) and low carbon pathways of polyamide textile production remain ambiguous. Herein the CF of polyamide textile in China is evaluated using a "cradle to gate" life cycle system boundary allowing for comparison with other textile categories. To explore low carbon pathways of polyamide textile production, we introduce four groups of measures resulting in 12 scenarios. The CF of 1 kg polyamide textile is 35.37 kg CO 2 -eq, 1.38 and 3.91 times that of polyester and cotton textiles, respectively. Direct emissions from energy combustion, and indirect emissions from raw materials and energy production contribute 43.87 % and 56.13 % of the total CF. Emission reduction potentials vary from 51.37 % to 88.52 % across scenarios. These explored low carbon pathways should serve as references for achieving low and net zero emissions in the textile sector. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. A holistic framework for integrated sustainability assessment of pharmaceuticals.
- Author
-
Van Wilder, Lisa, Boone, Lieselot, Ragas, Ad, Moermond, Caroline, Pieters, Lowik, Rechlin, Aissa, Vidaurre, Rodrigo, De Smedt, Delphine, and Dewulf, Jo
- Subjects
- *
DRUG disposal , *GREENHOUSE gases , *SUSTAINABILITY , *ECOLOGICAL impact , *DRUGS , *DRUG resistance in microorganisms , *POLLUTION - Abstract
Environmental pollution of pharmaceuticals arises during drug development, production, use and disposal and can damage ecosystems, increase antimicrobial resistance and generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, environmental sustainability of pharmaceuticals is an expanding theme in today's society. Several sustainability assessment methods have been developed for pharmaceuticals, however, most assessments typically consider only parts of the pharmaceutical chain and focus on the burdens of resource use and emissions, defined as the 'footprint'. On the other hand, these assessments usually do not simultaneously consider the societal benefits of pharmaceuticals, called the 'handprint', in addition to the benefit/risk assessment for the patient. Existing sustainability assessments are often limited to traditional impact categories, neglecting other dimensions of sustainability. A comprehensive sustainability assessment should capture more than just the environmental dimension and could thus holistically capture the three pillars of sustainability, i.e., environment, social, and economic. Currently, holistic methods that cover all impacts over the entire life cycle of pharmaceuticals are lacking. The objective of this study is to conceptualise and propose a holistic framework for integrated sustainability assessment of pharmaceuticals, based on the three pillars of sustainability and taking into account both footprint and handprint outcomes. The framework was developed using both top-down (literature search) and bottom-up approaches (stakeholder involvement). Gaps, barriers and opportunities to achieve sustainability are identified. As a result, this holistic framework can be helpful in decision making. • Today, focus is mainly on environmental burden of pharmaceuticals' production. • We propose a holistic framework for integrated sustainability assessment. • All pharmaceutical life cycle stages are part of this assessment framework. • The framework considers both footprint and handprint of pharmaceuticals. • A selection of impact categories to measure overall sustainability is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Assessment Framework Proposal to Steer Building Process Towards Life Cycle Perspective
- Author
-
Dalla Valle, Anna and Dalla Valle, Anna
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Circular Processes and Life Cycle Design for Sustainable Buildings
- Author
-
Lavagna, Monica, Dalla Valle, Anna, Giorgi, Serena, Caroli, Tecla, Campioli, Andrea, Howlett, Robert J., Series Editor, Jain, Lakhmi C., Series Editor, Bevilacqua, Carmelina, editor, Calabrò, Francesco, editor, and Della Spina, Lucia, editor
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Renewable Energy and Circular Economy: Application of Life Cycle Costing to Building Integrated Solar Energy Systems in Singapore
- Author
-
Patil, Rashmi Anoop, Shabunko, Veronika, Ramakrishna, Seeram, Liu, Lerwen, editor, and Ramakrishna, Seeram, editor
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. A Conceptual Unified Model Conceptual models for Assessing Improvements in Sustainability and Resilience in Water Water Distribution Systems
- Author
-
Mortula, Md Maruf, Ahmad, Irtishad U., Sadiq, Rehan, Beheiry, Salwa, Eslamian, Saeid, editor, and Eslamian, Faezeh, editor
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. How Do Technologies Based on Cyber–Physical Systems Affect the Environmental Performance of Products? A Comparative Study of Manufacturers' and Customers' Perspectives.
- Author
-
Uriarte-Gallastegi, Naiara, Landeta-Manzano, Beñat, Arana-Landín, German, and Laskurain-Iturbe, Iker
- Abstract
In the academic literature, there are studies that link the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies with an improvement in product-related circular economy indicators. However, there are scarce studies carried out in business contexts that analyse the degree, the stage of the life cycle and the value given to these improvements by customers and Industry 4.0 technology manufacturers. To contribute to clarifying these fields, a multiple-case study of nineteen technology manufacturers has been conducted, with input from the experience of venture clients as users and active participants in a shared project. Both manufacturers and their customers agree that Industry 4.0 technologies have a positive impact on circular economy. Benefits depend on the type of technology and its application and are mainly concentrated in the manufacturing phase. Additive manufacturing appears to be the technology with the greatest potential to influence circular economy, but customers also highlight the influence of augmented/virtual reality. Most manufacturers and customers emphasise the biggest influence is on reducing material consumption. This serves to improve the critical variables of market positioning by reducing product costs. However, acquisition cost, as well as quality and safety specifications, are of greater importance to manufacturers and customers, which may limit the environmental benefits obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Advances in assessing the sustainability of geotechnical ground improvement processes
- Author
-
Susani, S, CASTELLANZA, RICCARDO PIETRO, FINIZIO, ANTONIO, SUSANI, STEFANO, Susani, S, CASTELLANZA, RICCARDO PIETRO, FINIZIO, ANTONIO, and SUSANI, STEFANO
- Abstract
Il ritmo con cui le persone si spostano e vivono nelle città sta accelerando in tutto il mondo. Ormai più della metà della popolazione del pianeta si è inurbato. Questo megatrend, combinato con l’impulso della crescita demografica e della scarsità di risorse, richiede continuamente nuove infrastrutture e alloggi, così l’espansione e il rinnovamento delle infrastrutture della vita quotidiana esistenti; questo conduce sempre più spesso allo sviluppo di soluzioni urbanistiche “in sotterraneo”: è un dato di fatto che nel mondo di oggi esistono tutta una serie di flussi (di persone, di merci, di acqua, di energia, di rifiuti, ecc.) che si fondano su infrastrutture di rete sotterranee. Si prevede che questo megatrend continui per tutto il 21° secolo. Questi tipo di infrastrutture viene costruito utilizzando metodi che diventano sempre più tecnicamente avanzati ed efficienti sia in termini di tempi, sia di qualità della realizzazione. Allo stesso tempo, però, non si è rilevata una corrispondente evoluzione in termini di diminuzione dell'impatto sull'ambiente o di sostenibilità di queste stesse realizzazioni. Poiché l'"ecosistema ingegneristico" sotterraneo è ancora ‘giovane’ e per lo più concentrato su richieste specifiche o ,per meglio dire, prototipiche, gli strumenti per la valutazione integrata della sostenibilità delle costruzioni in sotterraneo (in termini di impatto sociale, ambientale ed economico) sono ancora poco sviluppati. In particolare, esistono poche metodologie dedicate alla valutazione integrata della sostenibilità delle infrastrutture sotterranee. Di fatto però, le parti interessate all’ecosistema delle costruzioni, sono sempre più spesso chiamate ad occuparsi di sistemi/criteri di appalto ‘green’ o basati su criteri di selezione che premiano la sostenibilità delle soluzioni costruttive. Questi sistemi e criteri, come il Green Procurement System sostenuto dalla UE, spingono l’industria a rendicontare scelte operative (tecnologiche, pr, The urbanization of the planet is accelerating. This megatrend, combined with the impetus of population growth and resources scarcity, continuously requires new infrastructure and housing and expansion and renovation of the existing assets; this often leads to the development of 'underground' urban planning solutions; it is a fact: nowadays, there is a whole range of flows (of people, goods, water, energy, waste, etc.) that are exploiting underground infrastructures. The construction techniques of these infrastructures are becoming increasingly sophisticated and efficient. However, there is still no corresponding related evolution in terms of sustainability and reduction of the impact on the environment. In particular, the tools for integrated assessment of these techniques' sustainability (in social, environmental, and economic terms) are minimal because the underground 'engineering ecosystem' is young and primarily calibrated on specific needs, in other words: prototypical. At the same time, however, construction ecosystem stakeholders find themselves more and more frequently having to deal with green procurement systems (for instance, the Green Procurement System supported by the EU, that stimulate the sector to report operational choices (technological, productive, organizational) aimed at reducing environmental impacts and 'certifying' the existence of a corporate strategy oriented towards sustainability. The purpose of this research is to develop a simple methodology that allows the evaluation of the sustainability and the environmental (and social) impact of ground improvement and geotechnical works in the light of the UE Green Deal, globally recognized sustainability rating protocols and quantitative analytical methods based on life cycle thinking. The proposed three-phased framework is applied to ground improvement techniques that are essential for the underground construction industry, allowing for improving the sustainability of the single technology or c
- Published
- 2024
40. Life Cycle BIM-Oriented Data Collection: A Framework for Supporting Practitioners
- Author
-
Dalla Valle, Anna, Campioli, Andrea, Lavagna, Monica, Bartezzaghi, Emilio, Series Editor, Bracchi, Giampio, Series Editor, Del Bo, Adalberto, Series Editor, Sagarra Trias, Ferran, Series Editor, Stellacci, Francesco, Series Editor, Zio, Enrico, Series Editor, Daniotti, Bruno, editor, Gianinetto, Marco, editor, and Della Torre, Stefano, editor
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Sustainability Assessment of Innovative Energy Technologies – Hydrogen from Wind Power as a Fuel for Mobility Applications
- Author
-
Christina Wulf and Petra Zapp
- Subjects
sustainability assessment ,life cycle thinking ,hydrogen ,patent analysis ,public perception ,economic assessment ,mobility ,life cycle assessment ,Technology ,Economic growth, development, planning ,HD72-88 - Abstract
An approach for life-cycle-based sustainability assessment for innovative energy technologies was developed that includes Life Cycle Assessment, economic assessment and selected social indicators, i.e. acceptance, patents and added value. As a case study for this approach, hydrogen supply by wind powered electrolysis was assessed and different distribution options to its final use in fuel cell vehicles were compared. First results of the Life Cycle Assessment show that lowest environmental impacts are caused by transporting hydrogen in pipelines, which is also the most cost-effective option. The preliminary survey about hydrogen refuelling stations showed that the fear of explosions is most relevant to people. Regarding added value, it could be revealed that a slight shift from domestic to more globalised expenditures is to be expected in the future. It can be concluded that hydrogen supply by pipelines is the most sustainable option. However, for the implementation of this technology, social issues such as acceptance of hydrogen filling stations and decrease of local employment have to be addressed.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Cleaner Production Letters
- Subjects
circular supply chains ,sustainability ,green manufacturing ,life cycle thinking ,carbon neutralization ,environmental systems engineering ,Environmental engineering ,TA170-171 ,Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering ,TD1-1066 - Published
- 2022
43. Measuring the Economic Impacts of a Circular Economy: an Evaluation of Indicators
- Author
-
Kulakovskaya, A., Knoeri, C., Radke, F., and Blum, N. U.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Koncepcja cyklu życia produktu - ujęcie marketingowe i podejście LCT.
- Author
-
ROZMUND, Bartosz, RUDZIŃSKI, Krzysztof, and ZATORSKA, Żaneta
- Abstract
Copyright of Management & Quality / Zarządzanie i Jakość is the property of Scientific Society of Organization & Management / Towarzystwo Naukowe Organizacji i Kierownictwa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2022
45. Different alternative retrofit to improving the sustainability of building in tropical climate: multi-criteria decision-making.
- Author
-
Balasbaneh, Ali Tighnavard, Yeoh, David, Ramli, Mohd Zamri, and Valdi, Mohammad Hossein Taghizadeh
- Subjects
TROPICAL climate ,RETROFITTING of buildings ,RETROFITTING ,DECISION making - Abstract
With the growth of the number of old buildings in urban cities, there is an imperative demand for retrofitting those buildings to minimize their energy consumption and maximize their sustainability. This article seeks to provide a multi-criteria assessment of different retrofitting scenarios in the Malaysian context, focusing replacement of windows. Four different criteria assessed operation energy usage, global warming potential (GWP) emission, embodied energy, and the cost of each alternative. Life cycle analysis is used for each scenario using the Energy Plus software program to estimate the energy demand. The preliminary result showed that a louvered window is unsuitable for operational energy usage compared to other options. In embodied energy and GWP, double-glazing shows an optimal choice by 532 MJ kg/m
2 and 101 kg/M2 CO2 between the other two alternatives for retrofitting. However, in the operational energy category, triple glazing has the best performance by 1.06 kW/a day. Finally, comparing the cost of each other options, plenum windows have the lowest rate by 825 kg/M2 MYR. Thus, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is used to select the most sustainable window for buildings. The result shows that the best option is a double-glazing window, followed by a plenum window. This study revealed the requirement for utilization of MCDM handles to guarantee the correct choice of design strategies for the best decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Life Cycle Thinking–Based Decision Making for Bridges under Seismic Conditions. II: A Case Study on Bridges with Superelastic SMA RC Piers.
- Author
-
Wanniarachchi, Sandun, Prabatha, Tharindu, Karunathilake, Hirushie, Li, Shuai, Alam, M. Shahria, and Hewage, Kasun
- Subjects
LIFE cycle costing ,REINFORCED concrete testing ,DECISION making ,ECONOMIC indicators ,PRODUCT life cycle assessment ,ENVIRONMENTAL economics ,SHAPE memory alloys ,SEISMIC response - Abstract
Bridges reinforced with superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) demonstrate improved performance under earthquake excitations. In general, the capital investment for a bridge reinforced with SMAs is higher due to their high cost and special workmanship requirement. However, when accounting for postearthquake repair and maintenance costs and environmental impacts, SMA-reinforced bridges can deliver significant economic and environmental advantages over conventional structures in the long run. Based on a life cycle thinking–based decision support framework developed in a companion paper, this study thoroughly evaluated the life cycle seismic performance of a bridge reinforced with an SMA considering three different reinforcement configurations. Fragility analyses were conducted for each reinforcement configuration of the SMA-reinforced concrete (RC) bridge to assess its seismic vulnerability. A life cycle cost (LCC) assessment was performed to determine the economic impacts during their service life. Additionally, cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was done using SimaPro to assess the environmental impacts. Using the outcomes of the these assessments, the overall life cycle performance of the novel bridges was compared with a similar bridge reinforced with conventional steel. The results showed that the SMA-reinforced bridges presented a better seismic life cycle performance compared with a conventional RC bridge from a seismic performance and economic perspective. However, the conventional bridge showed a better overall score from an eco-friendly approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Combining seismic retrofit with energy refurbishment for the sustainable renovation of RC buildings: a proof of concept.
- Author
-
Marini, Alessandra, Passoni, Chiara, Belleri, Andrea, Feroldi, Francesca, Preti, Marco, Metelli, Giovanni, Riva, Paolo, Giuriani, Ezio, and Plizzari, Giovanni
- Subjects
- *
BUILDING repair , *PROOF of concept , *ROBOTIC exoskeletons , *RETROFITTING , *WASTE recycling , *ENVIRONMENTAL economics , *HISTORIC buildings - Abstract
In this paper, an integrated approach targeting sustainability, safety and resilience is envisioned for the renovation of the post-Second World War RC buildings clustered in urban outskirts. The solution stems as an enhancement of the widespread camouflage practice, which targets energy efficiency and architectural restyling by complementing the building with a technological double skin, self-supported on an independent exoskeleton. Based on this integrated approach, the exoskeleton can be further engineered to also enable structural safety and resilience. Life cycle thinking is addressed to re-conceive traditional structural design approaches, guaranteeing safety, while minimising costs and environmental impacts over the building life cycle. Accurate selection of materials and dry technologies enables adaptability, reparability and maintenance, and total recyclability/reuse at end-of-life. The intervention is carried out from outside, avoiding relocation of the inhabitants and possible building downtime. The paper introduces a possible framework for engineers, technologists and architects to design new holistic renovation interventions, for which innovative solution sets are required. Possible structural techniques to be coupled with energy refurbishment are proposed. As a proof of concept, the envisaged holistic renovation strategy is applied to a reference building, and benefits entailed in combining structural safety measures within an integrated intervention are commented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. PROCESS-BASED EMISSION MODELLING FOR SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.
- Author
-
Michael-Agwuoke, Uche, Macbeda, Whalley, Jacqueline, Chile, Love, and Sallis, Philip
- Abstract
Developments in Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) systems depend on socio-cultural, political, economic, and environmental issues. The ability to assess and evaluate the level and nature of these relationships plays a critical role in measuring the performance level vis-à-vis sustainability of waste management systems. The current criteria adopted for assessing waste management performance do not capture an accurate and comprehensive representation of MSWM scenarios from collection to disposal. Hence the methodologies do not accurately measure the level of impacts resulting from waste management systems or, indirectly, the environmental, economic, social, and cultural costs of MSWM. This research develops a waste management performance assessment protocol that captures all relevant components of waste management processes. The methodology is based on emission as the indicator of choice for assessing the performance of a city-wide or regional waste management system. The study developed a framework, Comprehensive Emission Quantification Model (CEQ-Model), for measuring the sustainability of the MSWM system hinged on process-based emission modelling. This framework incorporated aspects of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines and Life Cycle Thinking (LCT), framed using carefully selected MSWM scenarios in New Zealand. In a ranked cumulative emission quantification assessment of four Territorial Authorities (TA), the research determined the performance level of each TA relative to others. Auckland Council, with a total emission of 4.272x10
12 KgCO2 -e generated from disposing of 2,425,022 tonnes of waste, was the most unsustainable territory, followed by Rotorua District with total emission of 6.666x1010 KgCO2 -e from 45,000 tonnes of waste, and Waikato District with emission of 5.380x1010 KgCO2 -e from 29,796 tonnes. In comparison, the most sustainable TA is Opotiki District with total emission of 2.314x109 KgCO2 -e from 1,450 tonnes of waste, giving emission per tonne of waste per year as 1.762 GgCO2 -e, 1.806 GgCOL2 -e, 1.6 GgCO2 -e, and 1.481 GgCO2 -e for Auckland Council, Waikato District, Opotiki District, and Rotorua District respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Socio-Economic Life Cycle-Based Framework for Safe and Sustainable Design of Engineered Nanomaterials and Nano-Enabled Products.
- Author
-
Stoycheva, Stella, Zabeo, Alex, Pizzol, Lisa, and Hristozov, Danail
- Abstract
This manuscript describes an innovative approach to socio-economic assessment of (advanced) engineered nanomaterials and nano-enabled products (NEPs) to support safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) decision making by industries in the early stages of product development. This semi-quantitative methodology is based on a sound conceptual framework grounded in the combination of social life cycle analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis methods and supports decision making based upon socio-economic impacts assessed over the full life cycle of a product. To facilitate its application by industries, the methodology was implemented as an Excel-based self-assessment tool. This easy-to-use, cost- and time-efficient tool can guide users through their SSbD decision making regarding newly developed nanomaterials and NEPs and can also be applied to re-evaluate existing materials and NEPs in order to improve their sustainability from a socio-economic perspective. The relatively low requirements of this tool regarding the level of efforts and expert knowledge needed for its application make it a good starting point for initial assessment to highlight socio-economic issues in the value chain. The results of this initial screening can be further used for more detailed analysis in the later stages of product development by performing a full social life cycle assessment (S-LCA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Life cycle-based multi-objective model for optimal gaseous fuel generation and portfolio allocation in gas grids: A strategic decarbonization.
- Author
-
Kotagodahetti, Ravihari, Hewage, Kasun, Bakhtavar, Ezzeddin, and Sadiq, Rehan
- Subjects
- *
LIFE cycle costing , *RENEWABLE natural gas , *ALTERNATIVE fuels , *CARBON taxes , *NATURAL gas - Abstract
[Display omitted] • Life cycle thinking-based multi-objective optimization was employed. • The model accommodates varying decision environments. • Up to 16,000 $/year of carbon tax savings can be achieved by adding biomethane and hydrogen to the gas grid. • Low-carbon gas integration can reduce up to 250 tonnes/year of emissions from key economic sectors. Biomethane and hydrogen are acknowledged as transformative opportunities for decarbonizing the conventional gas grid. Essential to this transformation is the modeling of the gaseous fuel supply chain, particularly with hydrogen and biomethane, offering crucial insights for decision-makers. This study introduces a life cycle thinking-based multi-objective optimization model for the integrated design of biomethane and hydrogen gaseous fuel supply chain networks. The model determines optimal resource allocation for the production of the two fuels, integrating them into the conventional gas network. Moreover, it allocates conventional natural gas, biomethane, and hydrogen optimally across building, industry, and transport sectors, considering the life cycle environmental and economic performance of fuel integration paths. Objective functions include minimization of life cycle emissions and levelized cost of energy while maximizing revenue from fuel sales. Integrating life cycle assessment and cost analysis tools, the optimization model quantifies emissions and life cycle costs for biomethane and hydrogen paths. Results identify Pareto-optimal fuel production paths and portfolios, revealing that integrating the alternative fuels into the current gas grid can significantly reduce emissions (up to 250 tonCO 2eq /year) and generate substantial carbon tax savings (up to $16,250/year). This model is useful for gaseous fuel industry stakeholders, offering a comprehensive view of supply chain costs and detailed insights into emission benefits when integrating alternative fuels into existing gas networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.