scholarly journals A Methodological Approach to Designing Circular Economy Indicators for Agriculture: An Application to the Egg Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8656
Author(s):  
Roger Rukundo ◽  
Stéphane Bergeron ◽  
Ibrahima Bocoum ◽  
Maurice Doyon ◽  
Nathan Pelletier
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Product Usage ◽  
Decision Variables ◽  
Indicator Development ◽  
Practical Tool

Analysing production systems from a circular economy (CE) perspective helps to pinpoint interventions to mitigate the environmental footprint by improving resource use efficiency, waste recovery, and prolonged product usage, recycling and reuse. Few studies exist on the measurement of CE at the micro-level. Additionally, available metrics/indicators address only certain aspects of the CE’s socio-economic metabolism, ignoring important components of the CE concept. Other frameworks propose a single indicator that aggregates and summarizes several facets of CE. This study develops a holistic approach for designing indicators with a structured methodology and an analytical framework to assess CE at the micro (unit of production) level in agriculture. The proposed approach is based on the ECOGRAI method for indicator development, and on validation of the methods with experts and final users via an application to egg production in Canada. Twenty-five performance indicators (PI) were generated for 11 decision variables that were selected as important for the sector. This resulted in a practical tool that proposes fourteen actions to improve the economic circularity (EC) of egg farms. Our methodological approach could be replicated to assess CE performance in other agricultural sectors.

Emerging Industrial Revolution: Symbiosis of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy: The Role of Universities

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seeram Ramakrishna ◽  
Alfred Ngowi ◽  
Henk De Jager ◽  
Bankole O. Awuzie
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Jobs

Growing consumerism and population worldwide raises concerns about society’s sustainability aspirations. This has led to calls for concerted efforts to shift from the linear economy to a circular economy (CE), which are gaining momentum globally. CE approaches lead to a zero-waste scenario of economic growth and sustainable development. These approaches are based on semi-scientific and empirical concepts with technologies enabling 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and 6Rs (reuse, recycle, redesign, remanufacture, reduce, recover). Studies estimate that the transition to a CE would save the world in excess of a trillion dollars annually while creating new jobs, business opportunities and economic growth. The emerging industrial revolution will enhance the symbiotic pursuit of new technologies and CE to transform extant production systems and business models for sustainability. This article examines the trends, availability and readiness of fourth industrial revolution (4IR or industry 4.0) technologies (for example, Internet of Things [IoT], artificial intelligence [AI] and nanotechnology) to support and promote CE transitions within the higher education institutional context. Furthermore, it elucidates the role of universities as living laboratories for experimenting the utility of industry 4.0 technologies in driving the shift towards CE futures. The article concludes that universities should play a pivotal role in engendering CE transitions.

scholarly journals A Modelling Framework for the Conceptual Design of Low-Emission Eco-Industrial Parks in the Circular Economy: A Case for Algae-Centered Business Consortia

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Aldric S. Tumilar ◽  
Dia Milani ◽  
Zachary Cohn ◽  
Nick Florin ◽  
Ali Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Industrial Symbiosis ◽  
Modelling Framework ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Energy Exchanges

This article describes a unique industrial symbiosis employing an algae cultivation unit (ACU) at the core of a novel eco-industrial park (EIP) integrating fossil-fuel fired power generation, carbon capture, biofuel production, aquaculture, and wastewater treatment. A new modelling framework capable of designing and evaluating materials and energy exchanges within an industrial eco-system is introduced. In this scalable model, an algorithm was developed to balance the material and energy exchanges and determine the optimal inputs and outputs based on the industrial symbiosis objectives and participating industries. Optimizing the functionality of the ACU not only achieved a substantial emission reduction, but also boosted aquaculture, biofuel, and other chemical productions. In a power-boosting scenario (PBS), by matching a 660 MW fossil fuel-fired power plant with an equivalent solar field in the presence of ACU, fish-producing aquaculture and biofuel industries, the net CO2 emissions were cut by 60% with the added benefit of producing 39 m3 biodiesel, 6.7 m3 bioethanol, 0.14 m3 methanol, and 19.55 tons of fish products annually. Significantly, this article shows the potential of this new flexible modelling framework for integrated materials and energy flow analysis. This integration is an important pathway for evaluating energy technology transitions towards future low-emission production systems, as required for a circular economy.

scholarly journals A Review of Reductionist versus Systems Perspectives towards ‘Doing the Right Strategies Right’ for Circular Economy Implementation

Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Raquel Balanay ◽  
Anthony Halog
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Review Reports ◽  
The Right ◽  
Business As Usual ◽  
Analytical Frameworks ◽  
Reductionist Approach

This systematic review examines the importance of a systems/holistic approach in analyzing and addressing the footprints/impacts of business-as-usual activities regarding the development of a circular economy (CE). Recent works on why current CE approaches have to be examined in terms of reductionist vs. systems perspectives are reviewed to tackle questions pertaining to the right or the wrong way of CE implementation. ‘Doing the right thing right’ is essential for sustainability—the ultimate goal of a CE, which must be viewed as a system to begin with. The limited reductionist approach overlooks and thus cannot prognosticate on the formidable unintended consequences that emerge from ‘doing the right things wrong’, consequences that become too costly to undo. The systems approach, being holistic, is complicated and difficult to pursue but open to exciting opportunities to integrate innovations in CE analysis and implementation. Complexity is an inherent downside of the systems approach. However, both approaches are complementary, as reductionist models can be combined to create a system of comprehensive analysis to correct the approach towards implementation of current CE initiatives. This review reports that advancements in systems analytical frameworks and tools are highly important for creating general guidelines on CE analysis and implementation.

scholarly journals Can Neural Activation in Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Predict Responsiveness to Information? An Application to Egg Production Systems and Campaign Advertising

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. e0125243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon R. McFadden ◽  
Jayson L. Lusk ◽  
John M. Crespi ◽  
J. Bradley C. Cherry ◽  
Laura E. Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Neural Activation ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Campaign Advertising

Reasons for keeping dairy goats in Tanzania, and possible goals for a sustainable breeding program

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. C. Nziku ◽  
G. C. Kifaro ◽  
L. O. Eik ◽  
T. Steine ◽  
T. Ådnøy
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Breeding Program ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Dairy Goats ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Animal Identification ◽  
Breeding Goals ◽  
And Performance

This research aimed at describing reasons for keeping dairy goats in Tanzania, and possible goals for a sustainable breeding program. Three districts, each representing a unique dairy goat breed population, were selected for the study. The Saanen, Toggenburg and Norwegian were the main dairy goat breeds in Arumeru, Babati, and Mvomero districts, respectively. A total of 125 dairy goat farmers were interviewed. A holistic approach of both quantitative and qualitative research methods was used to study the perceptions of farmers. More milk yield, sale of breeding stock and manure were the highest ranked reasons for keeping dairy goats. The reasons were coherent to the production systems. The three most preferred traits for improvement were milk yield, adaptability and twinning ability. These preferences were absolutely important in the context of the referred production system. Selection of replacement stock, animal identification and performance recording were the main challenges emphasised by farmers. The present study views these challenges as a result of knowledge gaps in animal breeding that require solutions. Based on result findings it is suggested that the milk yield and survival traits should be the primary dairy goat breeding goals. Generally, there are possibilities for developing sustainable dairy goat breeding programs in the surveyed areas given relevant breeding goals are incorporated. The design of simple and manageable dairy goat breeding schemes is necessary.

Circular economy and its disclosure in the basic concepts of improving production processes in construction

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3D) ◽  
pp. 629-635
Author(s):  
Maria Aleksandrovna Kalmykova ◽  
Elena Mikhailovna Kiseleva ◽  
Vadim Anatolevich Mironchuk ◽  
Ilya Valerievich Sorgutov ◽  
Sergey Barinov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Sustainable Society ◽  
Production Processes ◽  
Global Problems ◽  
Basic Concepts

The article discusses the features of the circular economy and its disclosure in the basic concepts of improving production processes in construction. The concept of a circular economy (CE) has recently become widespread as a perspective for solving global problems such as resource scarcity and waste management. The CE concept in the construction sector is rapidly gaining momentum and is used by many participants to coordinate their plans to build a more sustainable society. However, what exactly CE entails, remains unclear, and the actors involved in the transition to the CE set different priorities depending on their capabilities and goals. The transition to CE requires a more holistic approach and concerted efforts of all parties in the construction business.

Invited review: Importance of animal health and welfare for the stability of the three pillars of sustainability of livestock systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-214
Author(s):  
P. Chemineau
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Livestock Systems

The future livestock systems at the world level will have to produce more in the perspective of the population increase in the next 30 years, whereas reducing their environmental footprint and addressing societal concerns. In that perspective, we may wonder if animal health and animal welfare, which are two essential components of production systems, may play an important role in the stability of the three pillars of sustainability of the livestock systems. We already know that objectives driven by economy, environment and society may modify animal welfare and animal health, but is the reverse true? The answer is yes and in 11 cases out of 12 of the matrix health-welfare×3 pillars of sustainability×positive or negative change, we have many examples indicating that animal health and animal welfare are able to modify, positively or negatively, the three pillars of sustainability. Moreover, we also have good examples of strong interactions between health and welfare. These elements play in favour of an holistic approach at the farm level and of a multicriterial definition of what could be the sustainable systems of animal production in the future which will respect animal welfare and maintain a good animal health.

scholarly journals КЛЮЧИ К УСТОЙЧИВОМУ РАЗВИТИЮ АРКТИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНЫ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ: МОДЕЛЬ ЦИРКУЛЯРНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ И ЛОГИСТИЧЕСКАЯ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРА

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (4/2020) ◽  
pp. 5-20
Author(s):  
N. I. Didenko ◽  
◽  
D. F. Skripnuk ◽  
V. I. Cherenkov ◽  
A. V. Tanichev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Russian Arctic ◽  
Holistic Model

The article examines the infrastructure approach to the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF). This is done from the point of view of compliance of this development with the so-called megatrends of the world economy, highlighting theoretical, conceptual, and technological aspects. he characteristic of modern geoeconomic and geopolitical factors of development of the AZRF is given. A brief comparative analysis of applicability of economic models that are relevant the concept of sustainable development in the case of the Russian Arctic: bioeconomy, green economy, and circular economy. A few conditions for the implementation of the circular economy model in the Russian Arctic is considered. In connection with the representation of the AZRF as a heterogeneous socio-economic, real-virtual, socio-cyber-physical space, a special role of logistics infrastructure is shown as necessary condition for ensuring the sustainable development of this largest Russian region. The emphasis is made on the need to conceptualize the concept of "logistics infrastructure". Based on a holistic approach to logistics, a 5-layer (underwater, water, ground, air, space) conceptual research holistic model is proposed that could be used for designing, constructing, and monitoring the system of logistics flows in the Russian Arctic. The result of an analytical assessment (in dimensions of "digitalization" and "sustainability") of the state of the Art and possible development for the underwater layer of the logistics infrastructure of the Russian Arctic. The conclusions of the article could be useful both for designing the logistics infrastructure of the Russian Arctic, and for designing the courses of disciplines of higher education relevant to the problem under consideration.

scholarly journals Meatscapes: Spaces and processes associated to subsistence livestock

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Marie Farah
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Historical Maps ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Livestock Products ◽  
By Products

How was subsistence livestock linked to architecture and the urban development in the settlement of 17th and 18th century Montreal? This article argues that landscapes and buildings interact with and accommodate the transformation of livestock products and by-products along various stages; and, that these animal parts contribute to defining urban landscapes. The paper presents a novel analytical framework to study foodscapes, and more particularly meatscapes by way of identifying spaces through which animal parts transited, and by spatially mapping them. It does so via a mixed methodological approach, including researching legal documents, travelers’ notes, databases, historical maps and plans dating back to the French period. Examining processes and spaces involving subsistence livestock, their products and by-products as well as individuals related to their transformation provides a new perspective on how ordinary activities shaped the lives and the spaces in a settlement.

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