Sustainability

16 pages, 352 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Nanotechnology: Through Green Methods and Life-Cycle Thinking

by Rajive Dhingra, Sasikumar Naidu, Girish Upreti and Rapinder Sawhney

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3323-3338; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103323 - 25 Oct 2010

Cited by 96 | Viewed by 17458

Citing the myriad applications of nanotechnology, this paper emphasizes the need to conduct “life cycle” based assessments as early in the new product development process as possible, for a better understanding of the potential environmental and human health consequences of nanomaterials over the [...] Read more.

Citing the myriad applications of nanotechnology, this paper emphasizes the need to conduct “life cycle” based assessments as early in the new product development process as possible, for a better understanding of the potential environmental and human health consequences of nanomaterials over the entire life cycle of a nano-enabled product. The importance of this reasoning is further reinforced through an illustrative case study on automotive exterior body panels, which shows that the perceived environmental benefits of nano-based products in the Use stage may not adequately represent the complete picture, without examining the impacts in the other life cycle stages, particularly Materials Processing and Manufacturing. Nanomanufacturing methods often have associated environmental and human health impacts, which must be kept in perspective when evaluating nanoproducts for their “greenness.” Incorporating life-cycle thinking for making informed decisions at the product design stage, combining life cycle and risk analysis, using sustainable manufacturing practices, and employing green chemistry alternatives are seen as possible solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Futures)

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14 pages, 174 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment

by Matthias Finkbeiner, Erwin M. Schau, Annekatrin Lehmann and Marzia Traverso

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3309-3322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103309 - 22 Oct 2010

Cited by 662 | Viewed by 61049

Abstract

Sustainability is nowadays accepted by all stakeholders as a guiding principle for both public policy making and corporate strategies. However, the biggest challenge for most organizations remains in the real and substantial implementation of the sustainability concept. The core of the implementation challenge [...] Read more.

Sustainability is nowadays accepted by all stakeholders as a guiding principle for both public policy making and corporate strategies. However, the biggest challenge for most organizations remains in the real and substantial implementation of the sustainability concept. The core of the implementation challenge is the question, how sustainability performance can be measured, especially for products and processes. This paper explores the current status of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) for products and processes. For the environmental dimension well established tools like Life Cycle Assessment are available. For the economic and social dimension, there is still need for consistent and robust indicators and methods. In addition to measuring the individual sustainability dimensions, another challenge is a comprehensive, yet understandable presentation of the results. The “Life Cycle Sustainability Dashboard” and the “Life Cycle Sustainability Triangle” are presented as examples for communication tools for both experts and non expert stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment)

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18 pages, 884 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cob Construction in Italy: Some Lessons from the Past

by Enrico Quagliarini, Alessandro Stazi, Erio Pasqualini and Evelina Fratalocchi

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3291-3308; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103291 - 21 Oct 2010

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 12006

Abstract

Raw earth is a construction material unknown to most people. Nowadays, raw-earth constructions are an area of growing interest, both for rescuing the heritage and for a rediscovered environmentally friendly building and eco-sustainability material. However, because raw-earth constructions are a forgotten technique, we [...] Read more.

Raw earth is a construction material unknown to most people. Nowadays, raw-earth constructions are an area of growing interest, both for rescuing the heritage and for a rediscovered environmentally friendly building and eco-sustainability material. However, because raw-earth constructions are a forgotten technique, we find problems of a lack of skilled people at all levels in this area, from designers to masons, as well as problems of how to carry out compatible conservation works on earthen heritage. This paper tries to fill the gap for a peculiar historic earthen building technology, namely cob (or bauge), which is present in Macerata in the center of Italy. Results are presented on regaining possession of the material and constructional aspects and their initial structural resources, and guidelines are given on how to improve the manufacturing process to reuse the cob technique for construction and for how to accurately work on it for a compatible and sustainable conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Sustainable Building Materials: Advancing the Structural Performance of Earth-based Technologies)

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21 pages, 184 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Mining and the Uneasy Neoliberalization of Sustainable Development

by Matthew Himley

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3270-3290; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103270 - 18 Oct 2010

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 12569

Abstract

As transnational mining firms have sought to position themselves as drivers of sustainable development, a key component of their efforts has been the implementation of social development programs in their areas of operation. This paper situates the expansion of corporate-led development in the [...] Read more.

As transnational mining firms have sought to position themselves as drivers of sustainable development, a key component of their efforts has been the implementation of social development programs in their areas of operation. This paper situates the expansion of corporate-led development in the mining sector as part of an ongoing reconfiguration of the frameworks and processes through which mineral production is governed, interpreting such initiatives as illustrative of “roll-out” neoliberalization. Based on an analysis of firm-led development at the Pierina gold mine in Andean Peru, I explore how the mining company has been able to advance a version of sustainability broadly compatible with contemporary large-scale mining. Taking on the role of development agent, however, is not an uncomplicated endeavor in that it has left the firm subject to escalating development claims from nearby populations. In this context, I raise the question of whether the mining industry’s adoption of notions of partnership and participation amounts to a strategy for diffusing responsibility when necessary and deflecting the claims of affected communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Political Economy and Sustainability)

12 pages, 338 KB

Open AccessArticle

Depth Profiling (ICP-MS) Study of Toxic Metal Buildup in Concrete Matrices: Potential Environmental Impact

by Mirella Elkadi, Avin Pillay, Sai Cheong Fok, Fadi Feghali, Ghada Bassioni and Sasi Stephen

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3258-3269; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103258 - 18 Oct 2010

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8925

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of concrete material to accumulate toxic trace elements using ablative laser technology (ICP-MS). Concrete existing in offshore structures submerged in seawater acts as a sink for hazardous metals, which could be gradually released into the ocean creating pollution [...] Read more.

This paper explores the potential of concrete material to accumulate toxic trace elements using ablative laser technology (ICP-MS). Concrete existing in offshore structures submerged in seawater acts as a sink for hazardous metals, which could be gradually released into the ocean creating pollution and anoxic conditions for marine life. Ablative laser technology is a valuable tool for depth profiling concrete to evaluate the distribution of toxic metals and locate internal areas where such metals accumulate. Upon rapid degradation of concrete these “hotspots” could be suddenly released, thus posing a distinct threat to aquatic life. Our work simulated offshore drilling conditions by immersing concrete blocks in seawater and investigating accumulated toxic trace metals (As, Be, Cd, Hg, Os, Pb) in cored samples by laser ablation. The experimental results showed distinct inhomogeneity in metal distribution. The data suggest that conditions within the concrete structure are favorable for random metal accumulation at certain points. The exact mechanism for this behavior is not clear at this stage and has considerable scope for extended research including modeling and remedial studies. Full article

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19 pages, 219 KB

Open AccessArticle

Destitution through “Development”: A Case Study of the Laka Laka Project in Cochabamba, Bolivia

by Avrum J. Shriar

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3239-3257; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103239 - 15 Oct 2010

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 10210

Abstract

This study examined environmental and socioeconomic outcomes of a water project in rural Bolivia, and sought insights on how and why its planning was so flawed. The project destroyed an ancient, sustainable irrigation system, and replaced it with one that provides insufficient and [...] Read more.

This study examined environmental and socioeconomic outcomes of a water project in rural Bolivia, and sought insights on how and why its planning was so flawed. The project destroyed an ancient, sustainable irrigation system, and replaced it with one that provides insufficient and diminishing quantities of water to many fewer people, appears to be causing land degradation and groundwater depletion, and has fueled conflicts. The study shows that even relatively small, NGO-led projects can generate significant negative impacts, and raises questions about the pressures on development agencies to charge ahead with projects, despite obvious potential for such impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Sustainability)

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28 pages, 602 KB

Open AccessReview

Noah’s Ark or World Wild Web? Cultural Perspectives in Global Scenario Studies and Their Function for Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing World

by Carijn Beumer and Pim Martens

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3211-3238; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103211 - 14 Oct 2010

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 12682

Abstract

In this paper, we review the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Scenarios and their assumptions on biodiversity conservation, using a framework based on the cultural theory (CT) perspectives. We explored an adaptation of the CT typology and the [...] Read more.

In this paper, we review the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Scenarios and their assumptions on biodiversity conservation, using a framework based on the cultural theory (CT) perspectives. We explored an adaptation of the CT typology and the significance of some underrepresented worldviews for discussions on conservation in a changing world. The evaluation of the assumptions on biodiversity conservation in the scenario studies and storylines adds to our understanding of the socio-cultural dimensions of biodiversity loss in a changing world. It contributes to an understanding of the worldviews underlying the complex debates on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Making such assumptions and world views explicit will help policymakers and conservationists discuss the diversity of conservation strategies in the face of uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Futures)

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16 pages, 612 KB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Sustainability

by William Sims Bainbridge

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3195-3210; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103195 - 30 Sep 2010

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 10195

Abstract

In four ways, massively multiplayer online role-playing games may serve as tools for advancing sustainability goals, and as laboratories for developing alternatives to current social arrangements that have implications for the natural environment. First, by moving conspicuous consumption and other usually costly status [...] Read more.

In four ways, massively multiplayer online role-playing games may serve as tools for advancing sustainability goals, and as laboratories for developing alternatives to current social arrangements that have implications for the natural environment. First, by moving conspicuous consumption and other usually costly status competitions into virtual environments, these virtual worlds might reduce the need for physical resources. Second, they provide training that could prepare individuals to be teleworkers, and develop or demonstrate methods for using information technology to replace much transportation technology, notably in commuting. Third, virtual worlds and online games build international cooperation, even blending national cultures, thereby inching us toward not only the world consciousness needed for international agreements about the environment, but also toward non-spatial government that cuts across archaic nationalisms. Finally, realizing the potential social benefits of this new technology may urge us to reconsider a number of traditional societal institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Futures)

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37 pages, 849 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Probabilistic Analysis of the Switchgrass Ethanol Cycle

by Tadeusz W. Patzek

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3158-3194; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103158 - 30 Sep 2010

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 11833

Abstract

The switchgrass-driven process for producing ethanol has received much popular attention. However, a realistic analysis of this process indicates three serious limitations: (a) If switchgrass planted on 140 million hectares (the entire area of active U.S. cropland) were used as feedstock and energy [...] Read more.

The switchgrass-driven process for producing ethanol has received much popular attention. However, a realistic analysis of this process indicates three serious limitations: (a) If switchgrass planted on 140 million hectares (the entire area of active U.S. cropland) were used as feedstock and energy source for ethanol production, the net ethanol yield would replace on average about 20% of today’s gasoline consumption in the U.S. (b) Because nonrenewable resources are required to produce ethanol from switchgrass, the incremental gas emissions would be on average 55 million tons of equivalent carbon dioxide per year to replace just 10% of U.S. automotive gasoline. (c) In terms of delivering electrical or mechanical power, ethanol from 1 hectare (10,000 m2) of switchgrass is equivalent, on average, to 30 m2 of low-efficiency photovoltaic cells. This analysis suggests that investing toward more efficient and durable solar cells, and batteries, may be more promising than investing in a process to convert switchgrass to ethanol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Agriculture)

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16 pages, 133 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Baleen Whales’ Saving Grace: The Introduction of Petroleum Based Products in the Market and Its Impact on the Whaling Industry

by John McCollough and Henry F. Check, Jr.

Sustainability 2010, 2(10), 3142-3157; https://doi.org/10.3390/su2103142 - 30 Sep 2010

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 10278

Abstract

This paper presents empirical evidence which indicates that the introduction of petroleum based products on the American markets was a significant factor in reducing the demand for whale oil. As a result, the whaling industry, America’s 5th largest industry at the time, soon [...] Read more.

This paper presents empirical evidence which indicates that the introduction of petroleum based products on the American markets was a significant factor in reducing the demand for whale oil. As a result, the whaling industry, America’s 5th largest industry at the time, soon collapsed. A counterfactual study is then presented which suggests that if the introduction of petroleum based products had been delayed, then the increase in demand as a result of rising GDP per capita, as well as rapid industrialization, would have given whalers incentive to continue chasing after a diminishing whale population. This could have resulted in the baleen whale population being subject to unsustainable harvest levels. Full article

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Sustainability, Volume 2, Issue 10 (October 2010) – 10 articles , Pages 3142-3338

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