scholarly journals Fundamentals of Building Deconstruction as a Circular Economy Strategy for the Reuse of Construction Materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 939
Author(s):  
Gaetano Bertino ◽  
Johannes Kisser ◽  
Julia Zeilinger ◽  
Guenter Langergraber ◽  
Tatjana Fischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Building Components

The construction industry is one of the most environmentally detrimental industries in the world, impacting directly the use of raw materials, their determination of use involving the whole lifecycle, as well as all their surrounding environment. However, within the building sector, the transition from a linear to a circular economy is still at an early stage. Business models need to be reconsidered to include new and improved methods and innovative services that could lead to a net reduction in the use of resources and minimizing the waste disposed on landfills. In this context, an important role in buildings’ circularity is “deconstruction”, which is understood as a well-considered selective dismantlement of building components, in prevision of a future reuse, repurposing, or recycling. It represents a sustainable alternative to common demolition, which tends to be an arbitrary and destructive process, and although faster and cheaper, it typically creates a substantial amount of waste. The purpose of this article is to analyze the deconstruction potential of buildings and the strategies to apply in order to keep the impacts on the urban environment low. The article aims to facilitate the implementation of circular economy strategies for buildings by proposing common principles for deconstruction as a sustainable alternative to demolition and defining the key points to be applied during the design and planning process regardless of the type of construction system or material used.

scholarly journals IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRINCIPLES TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-42
Author(s):  
Tetiana Kovtun ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Economics ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Development Goals

he concept of a circular economy, which is a practical basis for the implementation of an environmental economy and offers effective business models to ensure more efficient use of resources, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, is studied in the article.The main processes of the eco-destructive influence of mankind on the environment are characterized. To determine the degree of eco-destructive influence allows a special indicator −the ecological footprintshowing the demand of the human population for natural capital.It is possible to reduce the effects of eco-destructive impact on nature through the introduction of new life concepts. The connection between the concepts of sustainable development, environmental economics and circular economy is traced. An environmental economy is one way to achieve sustainable development, and a circular economy is a specific tool for the transition to an environmental economy.Circular economy is one of the directions of the green economy. The systems approach presents a circular economy as a model of an economic system, which is an element of a technogenic systemand is based on the reuse of materials, thereby conserving natural resources, and considers the issue of creating value for the elements of the system.It is shown that the principles of the circular economy are implemented through five business models, the introduction of which is possible due to the combination of the circular economy processes in frameworks of varying complexity from «4R» to «9R» based on industrial metabolism and symbiosis, when the interaction between the elements of the technogenic system can be carried out at the micro-, meso- and macrolevels in resourced according to the cascade principle, when the wastes of one production are raw materials for another, thereby ensuring a decrease in the eco-destructive impact on the environment.The circular economy takes into account the biological and technical cycles of the circulation of resources and the potential benefits that can be obtained at different levels of these cycles, it involves a transition from a linear economy to a closed-loop economy. The introduction of a circular economy requires changes in existing logistics systems. Closed supply chains are created that combine the usual processes of a direct supply chain with reverse logistics processes, which can significantly reduce the eco-destructive impact on the environment.

scholarly journals Circular Bioeconomy Business Models to Overcome the Valley of Death. A Systematic Statistical Analysis of Studies and Projects in Emerging Bio-Based Technologies and Trends Linked to the SME Instrument Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1899
Author(s):  
Fabiana Gatto ◽  
Ilaria Re
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Valley Of Death

Reducing the environmental pressure along the products life cycle, increasing efficiency in the consumption of resources and use of renewable raw materials, and shifting the economic system toward a circular and a climate-neutral model represent the heart of the current macro-trends of the European Union (EU) policy agendas. The circular economy and bioeconomy concepts introduced in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy support innovation in rethinking economic systems focusing on market uptaking of greener solutions based on less-intensive resource consumption. In recent decades, industrial research has devoted enormous investments to demonstrate sustainable circular bio-based business models capable of overcoming the “Valley of Death” through alternative strategic orientations of “technological-push” and “market-pull”. The study highlights industrial research’s evolution on bio-based circular business model validation, trends, and topics with particular attention to the empowering capacity of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to close the loops in renewable biological use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The research methodology involves a bibliographic search based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Data Hub investigation to understand SMEs’ key success factors and start-ups of the circular bioeconomy sector. Eco and bio-based materials, nutraceuticals, and microalgae represent the most sustainable industry applications, leading to circular bioeconomy business models’ future perspective.

scholarly journals Transitioning Toward a Circular Economy: The Impact of Stakeholder Engagement on Sustainability Culture

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 8641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela M. Salvioni ◽  
Alex Almici
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
The Impact

The circular economy transition increasingly points to the need for a change in corporate culture, namely toward sustainability. This change can be supported by improving relations with relevant stakeholders, engaging comprehensively with them, and creating strong awareness about issues such as ecosystem protection, health-related safeguards, and the careful use of resources. In this regard, through stakeholder engagement and a review of traditional business models, the circular economy can contribute to transforming the corporate culture to ensure the concurrent enhancement of economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This study verified the role of stakeholder engagement in establishing and strengthening the sustainability culture in a company transitioning toward a circular economy. The case study research methodology was applied, referencing a single firm—operating in the oil and energy industry—representing one of the best practices in the international context, even if some efforts are still required to reduce downstream emissions. The findings underline the contributing role played by stakeholder engagement in establishing values and principles compliant with environmental protection and community wellbeing. Thus, this study contributes to the existing stakeholder engagement literature and sheds light on the practical implications and emerging issues.

scholarly journals Global energy security and international economic development

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Resource Saving ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
General Functioning

Energy security is at the top of the international political and economic agenda due to its importance for the economic and social development of individual countries, for relations between them, for the global economy and the environment. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine an area where countries are more interdependent than at the confluence of energy, environment, and economic development. Energy security has implications for domestic and foreign policy. This means the interdependence between producer and consumer, where mutual vulnerability and a win-win opportunity are short-term and long-term. The work systematizes the types of energy with the goal of sustainable development: the balance of economic, social, and environmental components, through a model of a circular economy, which allows achieving energy security. The first step is switching from carbon-based energy (oil, gas, coal) to clean energy (solar, wind, hydropower, etc.). However, it is also important to act on the principle of energy efficiency, which is to measure the difference between the actually used energy and the total energy consumed (often higher due to losses). The principle of the circular economy of achieving the most efficient use of resources is the most essential for the development of innovative solutions aimed at the transition to clean energy. Having studied the various approaches by comparison and analogy, we can conclude that the Concept of the circular economy offers effective business models to ensure environmentally friendly resource use, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals of society. The article used historical and statistical methods, as well as a system approach to the study of economic phenomena, which helped to identify the relationship between all elements and their roles in the general functioning of the circular economy. Using the method of comparison and scientific modeling, the role of the circular economy in resource-saving, minimizing waste and reducing pressure on the environment is revealed, while achieving significant economic and social results in energy security.

B Corp Certification for a Circular Economy Approach and a Sustainable Pathway

2020 ◽  
pp. 167-188
Author(s):  
Enrico Maria Mosconi ◽  
Stefano Poponi ◽  
Simona Fortunati ◽  
Michelangelo Arezzo di Trifiletti
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Environmental Values ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Circular Model ◽  
Benefit Corporations ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Awareness Raising ◽  
Multiple Analysis

The “loop” approach of the circular model, which aims to live in the business or market environment, requires a radical evolution of the production techniques, management, and skills in a new concept or idea for the market. Circular Economy results from a long awareness-raising process connected with problems concerning environmental protection. The dissemination of circular economy supposes the adoption of business models which will eventually enable environmental sustainability oriented behaviors, an efficient use of resources, and the respect of ethical, social, and environmental values. Benefit Corporations are companies pursuing these objectives. This chapter identifies and discusses the potential of B Corp certification to apply the principle of Circular economy. In particular, a compared multiple analysis of case studies is used to evaluate how the requirements of the scheme of certification influence the potential circularity of the enterprises analyzed.

scholarly journals Potential Uses of Copper Wastes in the Building Sector: Inertization and Added Value Solutions

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Santiago Rosado ◽  
Lidia Gullón ◽  
Luis Felipe Mazadiego Martínez ◽  
Juan Francisco Llamas Borrajo
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Mining Activity ◽  
Added Value ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Leaching Behavior ◽  
Reactive Property ◽  
New Applications

Mining activity is the second biggest producer of waste in the European Union (EU), so to develop processes that allow the reuse of waste and the consequent creation of markets for these secondary raw materials are relevant for a desirable transition to a circular economy. Copper waste such as cakes, tailings, pyrite roasting residues, or slags present very different physical characteristics and hazards. There are two important aspects to consider for the residue of hazardous determination and its reuse: the particle size and the leaching behavior. Also, the reactive or non-reactive property of the waste depends on their origin, which is important for new applications. Based on these parameters (and other specifics for each application), the intention of this paper is to review and study the different applications of copper residues, aiming for new possibilities of cement-based construction materials with added value that allow to economically justify the use of cement.

scholarly journals Development of Circular Economy: Opportunities and Impediments

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Vania Ivanova
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
New Business ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Analytical Research ◽  
New Business Models

The objective of this paper is to outline the potential and outlooks of development of circular economy in Bulgaria, as well as demonstrate the need for adequate measures on part of public authorities to encourage this change. The research is based on a primary survey of Bulgarian employers’ attitudes towards pursuing a corporate policy relating to the principles of sustainable development, which was conducted among 400 enterprises. The analysis reveals untapped potential not only with regard to a more efficient use of resources, in both the private and public sectors, but also in terms of underestimating the significance of the issue. The firms could significantly reduce their costs, improve their compatibility and their export potential if they apply new business models and new innovative technologies, which are both resource-efficient and eco-friendly. The research and analytical methods used for the development of the paper involve graphical and table presentation of statistical and empirical data and survey of available legal and analytical research on the topic. The conclusions reached reveal a number of obstacles slowing down the transition to a real circular economy model.  That would require speeding up the reform in the eco-fiscal and innovative government policies.  The paper’s added value lies not only in the analytical examination of the issues, but above all in deriving recommendations for future actions.

scholarly journals IMPROVEMENT OF INTERNAL PLANNING AT OIL REFINING AND PETROCHEMICAL ENTERPRISES BASED ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (32) ◽  
pp. 56-67
Author(s):  
N.G. Evdokimova ◽  
◽  
N.N. Luneva ◽  
T.M. Levina ◽  
M.E. Luneva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Planning ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Economic Effect ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Oil Refining ◽  
Modeling Tools ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Software Product

The economic basis of market relations between business entities and objects is the planning of activities, which provides the necessary balance between production and consumption of products, demand for goods and supply volumes by the enterprise at the macroeconomic level. At the enterprise, playing acts as an optimizer for the production of high-quality products based on efficient and rational use of resources. In management practice, a special place is occupied by internal planning, which is considered as a system of interconnected long-term, medium-term and short-term plans that determine the strategy of the company as a whole, as well as the goals of functioning, the forecast of the development of internal and external factors and resources of the enterprise. One of the main types of planning in the organization is production planning, which is widely used at petrochemical and oil refining enterprises and, in particular, at Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat LLC. The technological features of oil refining and petrochemical enterprises have a great influence on the process of production planning: the multivariance and complexity of technological processes, a wide range of products; large production capacities and technological installations; high material and energy intensity; a significant share of raw materials in the cost of production. Therefore, the processes of modeling and optimization in internal planning are impossible without the effective use of software and information support. This justifies the relevance and need to optimize production planning and increase the effectiveness of its management. The article discusses the practice of production planning at LLC Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat. At the enterprise, the planning process for the processing of raw materials and production is carried out using the Aspen PIMS software product, which allows us to calculate the optimal version of the production plan and ensures the maximum marginal profit of the enterprise. The principles of operation of the Aspen PIMS module are considered; production tasks solved with the help of this software. The basic structure of the construction of the planning process at LLC Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat is given. The use of a specialized planning software product in combination with production modeling tools allows to obtain a significant economic effect.

scholarly journals Geotechnical and geochemical appraisal of IFON clay, Southwestern Nigeria: Implications for industrial utilization

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Ademila O ◽  
Ogunribido T. H. T ◽  
Abidoye J. M
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Natural State ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Geochemical Composition ◽  
Basement Rocks ◽  
Clay Deposits ◽  
Industrial Utilization ◽  
Ondo State

Clays are geological materials of economic potential in the manufacturing and environmental industries. Geotechnical properties and geochemical composition of Ifon clay deposits in Ondo State, Nigeria were investigated with the aim of determining their economic potentials. The geotechnical investigation includes consistency limits, strength, permeability and firing tests, while, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method was used for determination of the bulk elemental composition of the clays using standard techniques. Geotechnical appraisal of the clay deposits revealed that high proportion of clay size fractions (52.3 – 66.1%) makes the clays suitable in their natural state for industrial raw materials. Activity of the clays was found to be low at approximately 0.3 – 0.7 and classified as inactive clays. Unconfined compressive strength varies between 3.4 N/mm2 and 4.7 N/mm2 and moderate shrinkage values (≤ 12%) indicate that the clays could be used as building construction materials. Coefficient of permeability of 7.75 × 10-8 to 1.72 × 10-5 cm/sec described the clays as low to impermeable soils suitable as barrier soils. SiO2 (64.41 – 68.74%) and Al2O3 (22.98 – 28.45%) contents dominate the clay geochemistry followed by iron oxide, Fe2O3 (3.57 – 8.31%) content among other oxides in traces, imply that they originated from underlying basement rocks subjected to varying degree of weathering. Low MgO, CaO, K2O and Na2O indicate no expandable clay minerals in the clays. The clays show low heavy metal concentrations which guarantee their suitability as raw materials in chemical industries. Thus, Ifon clay deposits are suitable for the production of ceramics, refractory bricks, paper, paints, rubber and fertilizer.  

scholarly journals Determination of circularity indicators: A case study of MB International Company

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-21
Author(s):  
Angelina Pavlović ◽  
Goran Bošković ◽  
Nebojša Jovičić ◽  
Snežana Nestić ◽  
Natalia Sliusar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Additional Value

The circular economy (CE) is currently a worldwide popular concept that should ensure sustainable development and resource efficiency. It is established on the theory of consumption and use of resources in the process of production in a way that affects a limitation of adverse effects on the environment. Simultaneously, this concept creates additional value and reuse of the products. In the Republic of Serbia (RS), the idea of CE is still new and underdeveloped. Hence, this paper aims to explore the possibility of implementing a CE in companies that operate in the RS by adopting the already developed methodology in the European Union. This research was conducted by monitoring the production process in the company "MB INTERNACIONAL" that produced cardboard packaging. The obtained approximate value of Circular Indicator of this company was 0.47, which indicated that the company had excellent chances for full implementation of the CE model in the business with the application of specific measures. The low-budget and highbudget measures, which could improve the circularity level in the analyzed company, are also presented in the research.

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