scholarly journals Re-assessment of net energy production and greenhouse gas emissions avoidance after 40 years of photovoltaics development

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atse Louwen ◽  
Wilfried G. J. H. M. van Sark ◽  
André P. C. Faaij ◽  
Ruud E. I. Schropp
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennie Moore

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is Canada's premier polytechnic. In 2008, BCIT partnered with its local electricity utility to hire a full-time energy manager. The following year, BCIT's School of Construction and the Environment initiated a campus-as-living-lab of sustainability project called Factor Four in the seven buildings it occupies on BCIT's main campus in Burnaby. The purpose was to explore whether a four-fold (75%) reduction in materials and energy use could be achieved without compromising service levels. By 2016, the project achieved a 50% reduction in energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Factor Four attracted over four million dollars in funding, engaged over 250 students from 12 educational programs, and produced over $200,000 savings annually. In 2017, BCIT set an ambitious target to reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions 33% below 2007 levels by 2023, and 80% by 2050, across all five of its campuses. BCIT’s ultimate goal is to become both greenhouse gas neutral and a net energy producer. By setting ambitious targets and systematically implementing energy efficiency improvements, utilizing waste-heat exchange, fuel switching, and developing on-site renewable energy, BCIT is on track to achieving its energy management and climate change goals.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 928
Author(s):  
Laura Cumplido-Marin ◽  
Anil R. Graves ◽  
Paul J. Burgess ◽  
Christopher Morhart ◽  
Pierluigi Paris ◽  
...  

Current global temperature increases resulting from human activity threaten many ecosystems and societies, and have led to international and national policy commitments that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bioenergy crops provide one means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and two novel crops that could be used for this purpose are Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. This research examined the existing scientific literature available on both crops through a systematic review. The data were collated according to the agronomy, uses, and environmental benefits of each crop. Possible challenges were associated with high initial planting costs, low yields in low rainfall areas, and for Sida hermaphrodita, vulnerability to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, under appropriate environmental conditions, both crops were found to provide large yields over sustained periods of time with relatively low levels of management and could be used to produce large energy surpluses, either through direct combustion or biogas production. Other potential uses included fodder, fibre, and pharmaceutical uses. Environmental benefits included the potential for phytoremediation, and improvements to soil health, biodiversity, and pollination. The review also demonstrated that environmental benefits, such as pollination, soil health, and water quality benefits could be obtained from the use of Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum relative to existing bioenergy crops such as maize, whilst at the same time reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. Future research should examine the long-term implications of using Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum as well as improve knowledge on how to integrate them successfully within existing farming systems and supply chains.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 837
Author(s):  
Matteo Prussi

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are dramatically influencing the environment, and research is strongly committed in proposing alternatives, mainly based on renewable energy sources [...]


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