scholarly journals Use of Bio-Based Plastics in the Fruit Supply Chain: An Integrated Approach to Assess Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Blanc ◽  
Stefano Massaglia ◽  
Filippo Brun ◽  
Cristiana Peano ◽  
Angela Mosso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Economic ◽  
Renewable Resources ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Reduction Of Emissions

The challenge of developing a sustainable production system includes the reduction of emissions, the efficient use of resources, and the transition to renewable energy. The bioeconomy proposes a development model aimed at reducing impacts and risks associated with the use of non-renewable resources considering the life cycle of products. The European Union is promoting products from renewable sources focused on biochemicals and bio-based plastics, which are high added value products when compared to biofuels. The aim of this paper is to consider sustainability in terms of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of use of bio-based plastics in the fruit chain, considering the case study of raspberry supply chains in northwestern Italy. Different analyses (life-cycle assessment (LCA), life-cycle costing (LCC), and externality assessment (ExA)) were used to assess the impacts along the whole chain by means of an integrated approach. The results show that the bio-based plastic scenario has lower environmental and social impacts than the conventional one, whereas the latter is the best choice according to a classic economic approach. The introduction of bio-based plastics as a replacement for traditional plastics in agri-food chains is the first step toward the use of renewable resources with a low impact on society.

An integrated approach to assess both risk and impacts related with geo-resources exploration and exploitation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Vittoria Gargiulo ◽  
Alexander Garcia ◽  
Ortensia Amoroso ◽  
Paolo Capuano
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Risk Sources ◽  
New Perspective

<p>To the welfare of both economy and communities, our society widely exploits geo-resources. Nevertheless, with benefits come risks and even impacts. Understanding how a given project intrinsically bares such risks and impacts is of critical importance for both industry and society. In particular, it is fundamental to distinguish between the specific impacts related to exploiting a given energy resource and those shared with the exploitation of other energy resources. In order to do so, it is useful to differentiate impacts in two categories: routine impacts – caused by ordinary routine operations, investigated by Life-cycle assessment with a deterministic approach – and risk impacts – caused by incidents due to system failure or external events, investigated by risk assessments with a probabilistic approach. The latter category is extremely interesting because it includes low probability/high consequences events, which may not be completely independent or unrelated, causing the most disastrous and unexpected damages. For this reason, it is becoming more and more crucial to develop a strategy to assess not only the single risks but also their possible interaction and to harmonize the result obtained for different risk sources. Of particular interest for this purpose is the Multi-Hazard/Multi-Risk Assessment.</p><p>The aim of our work is to present an approach for a comprehensive analysis of impacts of geo-resource development projects. Routine operations as well as risks related to extreme events (as e.g.,seismic or meteorological) are linked using a Multi-Hazard Risk (MHR) approach built upon a Life-Cycle analysis (LCA). Given the complexity of the analysis, it is useful to adopt a multi-level approach: (a) an analysis of routine operations, (b) a qualitative identification of risk scenarios and (c) a quantitative multi-risk analysis performed adopting a bow-tie approach. In particular, after studying the two tools, i.e. LCA and MRA, we have implemented a protocol to interface them and to evaluate certain and potential impacts.</p><p>The performance of the proposed approach is illustrated on a virtual site (based on a real one) for geothermal energy production. As a result, we analyse the outcome of the LCA, identify risk-bearing elements and events, to finally obtain harmonised risk matrices for the case study. Such approach, on the one hand, can be used to assess both deterministic and stochastic impacts, on the other hand, can also open new perspective in harmonizing them. Using the LCA outputs as inputs of the MRA can allow the analyst to focus on particular risk pathways that could otherwise seem less relevant but can open new perspective in the risk/impact evaluation of single elements, as we show in this case study.</p><p>This work has been supported by S4CE ("Science for Clean Energy") project, funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 - R&I Framework Programme, under grant agreement No 764810 and by PRIN-MATISSE (20177EPPN2) project funded by Italian Ministry of Education and Research.</p>

scholarly journals Measurement of Specially Protected Areas Contribution to Valuation of Adjusted Net Accumulations (Case Study of the Komi Republic)

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 53-66
Author(s):  
Tatyana Tikonova ◽  
◽  
Vitaly Seniawski ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Komi Republic ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Specially Protected Natural Areas ◽  
Protected Natural Areas ◽  
Effective Use

The focus of the study is to assess resource efficiency by adjusting net savings through the effective use of resources in specially protected natural areas. On a regional example, calculations of ecosystem services and the added value of specially protected natural areas from the point of view of tourist destruction are justified and carried out, as well as an integrated approach to their assessment

scholarly journals Evaluating Life Cycle of Buildings Using an Integrated Approach Based on Quantitative-Qualitative and Simplified Best-Worst Methods (QQM-SBWM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4487
Author(s):  
Maghsoud Amiri ◽  
Mohammad Hashemi-Tabatabaei ◽  
Mohammad Ghahremanloo ◽  
Mehdi Keshavarz-Ghorabaee ◽  
Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Combination Method ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Numerical Examples ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Time Required

Evaluating the life cycle of buildings is a valuable tool for assessing sustainability and analyzing environmental consequences throughout the construction operations of buildings. In this study, in order to determine the importance of building life cycle evaluation indicators, a new combination method was used based on a quantitative-qualitative method (QQM) and a simplified best-worst method (SBWM). The SBWM method was used because it simplifies BWM calculations and does not require solving complex mathematical models. Reducing the time required to perform calculations and eliminating the need for complicated computer software are among the advantages of the proposed method. The QQM method has also been used due to its ability to evaluate quantitative and qualitative criteria simultaneously. The feasibility and applicability of the SBWM were examined using three numerical examples and a case study, and the results were evaluated. The results of the case study showed that the criteria of the estimated cost, comfort level, and basic floor area were, in order, the most important criteria among the others. The results of the numerical examples and the case study showed that the proposed method had a lower total deviation (TD) compared to the basic BWM. Sensitivity analysis results also confirmed that the proposed approach has a high degree of robustness for ranking and weighting criteria.

The Implementation of Genetic Algorithm in the Manufacturing Process of a Product for Reduced Environmental Impact: A Case Study of a Pulley Crankshaft

2015 ◽  
Vol 761 ◽  
pp. 651-655
Author(s):  
Hazwan Syafiq ◽  
Zahari Taha ◽  
Razali Muhamad
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Cad System ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Minimal Environmental Impact

Life Cycle Assessment or LCA method is believed to be a good solution to improve sustainability in a manufacturing process. This method allows designers to identify opportunities to improve the environmental aspects of products at various points in their life cycle. In this paper, the implementation of LCA through the development of an Environmental Impact Assessment Tool (EIAT) is demonstrated via a case study of Volkswagen pulley crankshaft. EIAT is a tool that aids designers to improve the environmental impact in a manufacturing process by designing or producing products with minimal environmental impact and minimal use of resources, such as the material and energy. EIAT also offers the optimization of design solutions to reduce potential environmental impact of a specific product according to its design features. A pulley crankshaft was modelled in a CAD system where the form is fixed to maintain its function. Pulley crankshaft features, such as the type of material, diameter of pocket, stock thickness and diameter are the parameters that were optimized through the Genetic Algorithm encoded in EIAT. EIAT was validated with Eco-It (an established LCA tool) and with actual experiments. Results show a difference of less than 9% error between EIAT with the results produced by Eco-It and the actual experiments.

Life Cycle Assessment of Circular Bio-Based Construction

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Cascione ◽  
Matt Roberts ◽  
Stephen Allen ◽  
Barrie Dams ◽  
Daniel Maskell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Service Life ◽  
Renewable Resources ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Natural Materials ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Sequestration Potential

The construction sector is a large consumer of non-renewable resources and it is responsible of 44% of global energy related CO2 emissions. Circular economy is an emerging strategy that has potential to make significant improvements in the construction industry, by taking efficient and sustainable actions against climate change. The principles of circular economy are to minimise the waste of resources, by maximizing materials' performances, whilst in use, and recycle and regenerate them at the end of their service life. Natural materials can potentially be suitable in this strategy, due to the use of renewable resources, carbon sequestration potential, and high suitability for reuse and recycling. The development of bio-based wall panel is a first step into the integration of a circular economy approach in the construction sector. In this study, vapour responsive bio-based panel prototypes with low thermal transmittance (U<0.20 W/m2K) are being designed, taking into consideration the burdens and benefits of natural materials over their entire life cycle. The challenge is to assess the environmental impact of the panels during their design and production, maximise performance and life span, when in use, and regenerate and recycle panel components at the end of the service life. In this paper, a life cycle assessment of a prototype bio-based panel designed with circular economy principles is investigated. The environmental impact of the panel is analysed to investigate limitation in assessing emissions and use of resources in a circular prospective. The objective of the research is to integrate environmental impact analysis during the early stage of panel design. This will put the basis for the development of a sustainable and circular building industry and for identifying area of improvements for the development of sustainable circular panels with expected hygrothermal benefits conferred using bio-based materials.

scholarly journals Problems of functioning and directions of agro-food chains development in the conditions of turbulence strengthening

2020 ◽  
pp. 18-28
Author(s):  
O.O. Varchenko
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
Stage Of Development

The article substantiates scientic and methodological approaches and principles of distribution, formation, effectiveness, effciency of functioning and development of agri-food chains. It is determined that agro-food chains have acquired the most significant economic and social importance for the inclusion of small producers in the processes of practical production cooperation, which prompted the requirements related to the specifics of the technology of production of finished food products. The main factors that provoke the emergence of extremely contradictory and diverse phenomena in the development of agri-food chains include: globalization of international relations, intensification of turbulent phenomena and processes in the world economy, the entry of advanced countries to new economic frontiers. For the current stage of development of the national economy, the practical implementation of one of the key objectives of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union was of paramount importance. For the purpose of periodic audit of HACCP-certified food processing enterprises, the specified structure of business entities that ensure the production of finished food and other products is highlighted. These calculations show that in 2018 in Ukraine the producers of agricultural raw materials were 49550 farms/enterprises and 23822 natural personsentrepreneurs who are oficially registered and represent the primary link in the food chain. The next link in the agri-food chain are processors of raw materials of primary production, which in Ukraine in 2018 were 5872 enterprises and 10845 individual entrepreneurs, of which 157 enterprises and 1016 sole proprietors produce non-food products. The analysis allows us to conclude that now the producers of food raw materials have the following situation: a) Àexible or simplified permanent procedures, certified (or tested) their facilities for compliance with the minimum requirements of basic programs; b) the second part, mainly FOPs and PF, continue to operate traditionally, ie without paying special attention to the time requirements for the implementation of systematic security procedures. It is established that in practice, some producers of food raw materials, with different levels of tightness, depth of processing and value creation, are already included in agri-food chains. Taking into account the objectively existing tendencies of spontaneous, at the initial stage mainly seasonal occurrence, and further deepening and strengthening of interrelations between actors, the hierarchy of formation and sustainable development of food chains is offered. Key words: agro-food chains, economic turbulence, agricultural raw materials, personal farms, processing and food enterprises, sustainable development, added value.

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.

An Integrated Approach to Pipeline Buoyancy Control and Implementation

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance N. Thomas ◽  
James Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Life Cycle Costs ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Construction Strategies ◽  
Buoyancy Control

A case study approach clearly demonstrates how to integrate various investigative methods with design, procurement, contracting and construction strategies to significantly reduce life cycle costs for a recently constructed operating pipeline. Emergent strategies based on lessons learned throughout the process are presented based on an after construction review.

Industry as a Key Factor for Economic Recovery and Competitiveness of the Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 613 ◽  
pp. 441-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viera Kyseľová
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Use Of Resources

Promotion of an integrated approach for industrial policy at European and national levels is crucial to ensuring the future competitiveness of the European Union and to raise growth potential. Essential for economic success and economic recovery of the European Union is an integrated single market, which creates an attractive environment for business, production of goods and services. Industrial modernization, investing in innovation, new technology, production inputs and skills, increased productivity, efficient use of resources and goods and services with high value added are prerequisites for achieving Europe's comparative advantage in the global economy. The main source of industrial future and competitiveness of the European Union are becoming investments in innovation and key technologies that redefine global value chains, make more efficient use of resources and redesign the international division of labor.

scholarly journals Place-Based Pathways to Sustainability: Exploring Alignment between Geographical Indications and the Concept of Agroecology Territories in Wales

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 4890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Owen ◽  
Donna Udall ◽  
Alex Franklin ◽  
Moya Kneafsey
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Geographical Indications ◽  
Sustainability Transitions ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Product Specifications ◽  
Product Specification

Geographical Indications (GIs) are regarded as important endogenous rural development mechanisms by the European Union. GIs have proven successful for some producers in some regions, delivering higher added value and safeguarding a product’s identity and heritage through the notion of terroir. Within the context of a gradual “greening” of GIs, this paper opens up questions about what potential they might have for transitions to agroecology territories, which are spaces engaged in a transition process towards sustainable agri-food systems. Using the Food and Agricultural Organization’s 10 elements of agroecology as a lens, we discuss whether GIs can serve as levers in delivering sustainable agri-food transitions, drawing on the case of the devolved nation of Wales. We base our narrative on a content analysis of GI product specification documents and data from interviews with GI stakeholders. Our case study illustrates that the discourse within the regulatory framework of some Welsh GIs has shifted from one of technicality towards the integration of some agroecology elements in more recent GI product specifications. In this respect, we argue that there is evidence of a “first generation” and “second generation” assortment of GIs in Wales. However, any potential for levering an overall transition within this scheme towards an agroecology territory remains constrained by the piecemeal embedding of agroecology. The incorporation of agroecology is emerging primarily from the ground-up—driven by independent organizational and place-based collective action, but unaccompanied, as yet, by any parallel shift amongst supporting administrative and regulatory authorities. We also discuss the importance of reflexive governance if GIs are to be viable pathways for sustainability transitions. As such, the capacity for GIs to facilitate quality-led place-based food systems that enhance increasingly threatened environmental resources is contingent upon stakeholders adopting a territorial, reflexive governance approach.

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