Search Results (442)

This paper presents a critical and comprehensive review of the application of mining waste, specifically waste rock and tailings, in asphalt pavements, with the aim of synthesizing performance outcomes and identifying key research gaps. A systematic literature search yielded a final dataset of 41 peer-reviewed articles for detailed analysis. Bibliometric analysis indicates a notable upward trend in annual publications, reflecting growing academic and practical interest in this field. Performance-based evaluations demonstrate that mining wastes, particularly iron and copper tailings, have the potential to enhance the high-temperature performance (i.e., rutting resistance) of asphalt binders and mixtures when utilized as fillers or aggregates. However, their effects on fatigue life, low-temperature cracking, and moisture susceptibility are inconsistent, largely influenced by the physicochemical properties and dosage of the specific waste material. Despite promising results, critical knowledge gaps remain, particularly in relation to long-term durability, comprehensive environmental and economic Life-Cycle Assessments (LCA), and the inherent variability of waste materials. This review underscores the substantial potential of mining wastes as sustainable alternatives to conventional pavement materials, while emphasizing the need for further multidisciplinary research to support their broader implementation. Full article

Consumers are increasingly exposed to environmental claims on food products. These claims often lack scientific validation and there are different methodologies that can be used for grounding these claims, which can lead to misleading results. The European Union’s (EU) Environmental Footprint methodology excludes the aggregation of environmental impacts, including damage to human health. This fact reduces transparency and limits the consumers’ ability to make information-based sustainable choices. This study aims to address this issue by calculating aggregated impacts on human health via life cycle assessment (LCA) in the agriculture and food-production sectors. In the study the IMPACT World+ method was used, including trustworthy databases and proper functional unit definition. The assessment encompassed three types of vegetables, four types of fruit, and four types of ready meals. The study also attempts to assess the impact of different farming systems (organic and conventional) on human health. Two standardised functional units, i.e., the unit based on product weight and product energy value were considered for each group of products. Our findings showed significant differences in results when different functional units were used. Additionally, no conclusion could be drawn regarding which farming system is more sustainable. Therefore, it is essential that the regulator clearly defines the criteria for selecting the appropriate functional unit in LCA within the agriculture and food-production sectors. In the absence of these criteria, results should be presented for all alternatives. Although not required by EU regulation, the authors suggest that companies should nevertheless disclose information regarding the environmental impact of agriculture and food production on human health, as this is important for consumers. Full article

Marine biofouling significantly impacts the performance and longevity of polymer-based marine structures, particularly those designed for hydrodynamic applications such as Vortex-Induced Vibration suppression systems. Traditional antifouling solutions rely on copper-based multilayer coatings, which present challenges including mechanical vulnerability (e.g., chipping and scratching), high material and labor demands, and environmental concerns such as volatile organic compound emissions and copper leaching. Recent developments in material science have introduced an alternative system involving the direct incorporation of copper oxide (Cu₂O) into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) during the molding process. This study conducts a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of two antifouling integration methods—System 1 (traditional coating-based) and System 2 (Cu₂O-impregnated HDPE)—evaluating their environmental impact across production, application, use, and end-of-life stages. The functional unit used for this study was 1 square meter for a time period of five years. Using ISO 14040-compliant methodology and data from Ecoinvent and OpenLCA, three impact categories were assessed: global warming potential (GWP), cumulative energy demand (CED), and marine aquatic ecotoxicity Potential (MAETP). The results indicate that System 2 outperforms System 1 in GWP (4.42 vs. 5.65 kg CO₂-eq), CED (75.3 vs. 91.0 MJ-eq), and MAETP (327,002 vs. 469,929 kg 1,4-DCB-eq) per functional unit over a five-year lifespan, indicating a 21.8%, 17.3%, and 30.4% reduction in the key impact factors, respectively. These results suggest that direct Cu₂O incorporation offers a more environmentally sustainable and mechanically resilient antifouling strategy, supporting the potential of embedded antifouling systems to shift industry practices toward more sustainable marine infrastructure. Full article

This study analyses the greenhouse gas reduction potential of different end-of-life (EoL) strategies based on a case study of light electric vehicles (LEVs). Using a shared electric moped scooter as a reference, four EoL scenarios are evaluated in a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA). The modelling of the scenarios combines different R-strategies (e.g., recycling, reusing, and repurposing) regarding both the vehicle itself and the battery. German and EU regulations for vehicle and battery disposal are incorporated, as well as EU directives such as the Battery Product Pass. The global warming potential (GWP₁₀₀) of the production and EoL life cycle stages ranges from 644 to 1025 kg CO₂ eq among the four analysed scenarios. Landfill treatment led to the highest GWP₁₀₀, with 1.47 times higher emissions than those of the base scenario (status quo treatment following EU directives), while increasing component reuse and repurposing the battery cells achieved GWP₁₀₀ reductions of 2.8% and 7.8%, respectively. Overall, the importance of implementing sustainable EoL strategies for LEVs is apparent. To achieve this, a product design that facilitates EoL material and component separation is essential as well as the development of political and economic frameworks. This paper promotes enhancing the circularity of LEVs by combining the LCA of EoL strategies with eco-design considerations. Full article

The cement industry is a significant contributor to global environmental impacts, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has emerged as a critical tool for evaluating and managing these burdens. This review uniquely synthesizes recent advancements in the LCA methodology and provides a detailed comparison of cement production impacts across major producing regions, notably highlighting China’s role as the largest global emitter. It covers the core LCA phases, including goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation, and emphasizes the role of LCA in quantifying cradle-to-gate impacts (typically around 0.9–1.0 t CO₂ per ton of cement), evaluating the emissions reductions provided by alternative cement types (such as ~30–45% lower emissions using limestone calcined clay cements), informing policy frameworks like emissions trading schemes, and guiding sustainability certifications. Strategies for environmental load reduction in cement manufacturing are quantitatively examined, including technological innovations (e.g., carbon capture technologies potentially cutting plant emissions by up to ~90%) and material substitutions. Persistent methodological challenges—such as data quality issues, scope limitations, and the limited real-world integration of LCA findings—are critically discussed. Finally, specific future research priorities are identified, including developing country-specific LCI databases, integrating techno-economic assessment into LCA frameworks, and creating user-friendly digital tools to enhance the practical implementation of LCA-driven strategies in the cement industry. Full article

Once marketed as smoking cessation tools, e-cigarettes are used by adolescents mainly for entertainment, driven by aggressive marketing, appealing flavors, and safer alternatives to smoking. This study analyzes data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to explore trends in adolescent perceptions and usage patterns of e-cigarettes from 2011 to 2023, focusing on their dual roles as cessation aids and recreational products. Cross-sectional data from the NYTS over four years (2011: N = 18,866; 2015: N = 17,711; 2019: N = 19,018; 2023: N = 22,069) formed the foundation of this study. This study investigated demographic trends, usage frequency, initial and future use patterns, and quitting behavior. Descriptive statistics and latent class analysis (LCA) were employed to examine adolescent e-cigarette use patterns, with statistical significance determined at p < 0.05. The reasons for using e-cigarettes have changed significantly over the years because of family or friends. In all years (2015–2023), use for smoking cessation dropped significantly (2.33% in 2023 vs. 6.95% in 2015). In 2023, 38% wanted to quit using e-cigarettes within 30 days, and 25% attempted to quit at least 10 times. Flavored e-cigarette users were more than twice as likely to consider quitting compared to those not interested in flavors (OR = 2.64). Our findings highlight a significant decrease in the use of e-cigarettes for cessation, with a corresponding increase in recreational use over time. These trends emphasize the urgency of implementing interventions to mitigate nicotine addiction and its associated health risks among adolescents. Adolescent e-cigarette use has transitioned from being primarily driven by cessation efforts to recreational purposes, largely influenced by appealing flavors and social factors such as peer influence, showing the need for stricter marketing regulations and targeted educational campaigns. Full article

The building sector holds a significant position in the global energy consumption share, and its environmental impact continues to intensify, making the construction industry a key player in sustainable development. The application of life cycle assessment on buildings (LCA-B) is widely employed to evaluate building energy and environment performance, and thus is of great significance for ensuring the sustainability of the project. This work aims to provide a systematic overview of LCA-B development based on reviewed literature. A three-stage mixed research method is adopted in this study: Firstly, an overall analysis framework is constructed, and 327 papers related to building life cycle assessment published between 2009 and 2025 are screened out by using the bibliometric method; Then, through scientometrics analysis, the journal regions, sources, scholars, and keyword evolution are revealed and analyzed using VOSviewer tool, and the hotspots in the field of LCA-B (e.g., integration of building information modeling (BIM) in LCA-B, multi-dimensional framework of environment–society–culture) are preliminarily explored based on the selected highly cited papers. The research finds that: (1) the performance of low energy buildings is better than that of net zero energy buildings from the perspective of LCA; (2) software compatibility and data exchange are the main obstacles in the integration of BIM-LCA; (3) a multi-dimensional LCA framework covering the social or cultural aspects is expected for a comprehensive assessment of building performance. This study provides a systematic analysis and elaboration of review articles related to LCA-B and thereby provides researchers with in-depth insight into this field. Full article

The imperative to decarbonize global energy systems and enhance energy security necessitates a transition towards ecofuels, broadly classified as biofuels, waste-derived fuels, and electrofuels (e-Fuels). The primary goal of this review is to provide a holistic and comparative evaluation of these three pivotal ecofuel pillars under a unified framework, identifying their strategic niches in the energy transition by critically assessing their interconnected technical, economic, and policy challenges. It offers a comparative dissection of inherent resource constraints, spanning biomass availability, the immense scale of renewable electricity required for e-Fuels, sustainable carbon dioxide (CO₂) sourcing, and the complexities of utilizing non-biodegradable wastes, identifying that true feedstock sustainability and holistic lifecycle management are paramount, cross-cutting limitations for all pathways. This review critically highlights how the current global reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production (approx. 60%) and the upstream emissions embodied in renewable energy infrastructure challenge the climate neutrality claims of ecofuels, particularly e-Fuels, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive well-to-wheels (WtW) lifecycle assessments (LCAs) over simpler tank-to-wheels (TtW) approaches. This perspective is crucial as emerging regulations demand significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions (70–100%) compared to fossil fuels. Ultimately, this synthesis argues for a nuanced, technologically neutral deployment strategy, prioritizing specific ecofuels for hard-to-abate sectors, and underscores the urgent need for stable, long-term policies coupled with robust and transparent LCA methodologies to guide a truly sustainable energy transition. Full article

With the ongoing acceleration in urban development, the volume of construction and demolition waste continues to rise, while the availability of natural aggregates is steadily declining. Utilizing recycled aggregates in concrete has become a vital approach to fostering sustainability within the construction sector. This research develops a life cycle-based environmental impact evaluation model for recycled aggregate concrete, applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework. Through the eFootprint platform, a quantitative evaluation is carried out for C30-grade concrete containing varying levels of recycled aggregate replacement. Four replacement ratios of recycled coarse aggregate (30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) were evaluated. The assessment includes six key environmental indicators: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Primary Energy Demand (PED), Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), and Respiratory Inorganics (RI). The findings reveal that higher substitution rates of recycled aggregate lead to noticeable reductions in RI, EP, and AP, indicating improved environmental performance. Conversely, slight increases are observed in GWP and PED, especially under long transport distances. Analysis of contributing factors and sensitivity indicates that cement manufacturing is the principal driver of these increases, contributing over 80% of the total GWP, PED, and ADP impacts, with aggregate transport as the next major contributor. This study offers methodological insights into the environmental evaluation of recycled aggregate concrete and supports the green design and development of low-carbon strategies in construction. Full article

Context plays a critical role in talent development, yet most national analyses continue to rely on individual-centered talent concepts. This paper highlights the limitations of traditional models for assessing how countries support talent and proposes a resource-oriented, systemic alternative. Building on the Educational and Learning Capital Approach (ELCA), this study argues that national talent development depends on the availability, accessibility, and orchestration of both endogenous and exogenous learning resources across systemic levels. By analyzing the clumping patterns of excellence in STEM, the arts, sports, and innovation, this paper illustrates the unequal global distribution of talent-supportive environments. Seven key principles for effective resource orchestration are outlined, offering a framework for evaluating and strengthening national talent ecosystems. The paper concludes that systematic assessment and strategic enhancement of national resource landscapes are critical for sustainable talent development and for ensuring that human potential can flourish more equitably across countries. Full article

Sustainable development requires manufacturers to deliver products that are not only of good quality but also environmentally friendly. The materials used play a crucial role in product manufacturing. They not only directly determine quality but also influence the environment throughout the product’s life cycle. Therefore, the aim was to develop an innovative approach based on the modelling of the relationship between materials and product quality within the framework of the sustainable design of alternative product solutions. The model framework includes selected elements of Quality Functional Development (QFD) and the first stage of life cycle assessment (LCA), namely, material acquisition and extraction. Its novelty lies in supporting the modelling process with life cycle data on materials characterised by their environmental burden. This modelling is based on their potential negative environment impact. Using this foundation, it becomes possible to consider alternative design solutions in terms of both quality (i.e., fulfilling customer satisfaction during use) and environmental performance (i.e., reducing the negative impact throughout the life cycle). The proposed modelling process was also tested, demonstrating its effectiveness in the material analysis of products. The solution can be applied to any material, and, with minor modifications, adapted to various product types. Full article

A core tertiary wastewater reactive filtration technology, where continuously renewed hydrous ferric oxide coated sand is created in an upflow continuous backwash filter, has been adopted in about 100 water resource recovery facilities in several countries. Primarily focused on ultralow phosphorus discharge requirements to address nutrient pollution impacts and harmful algae blooms, the technology has also demonstrated the capacity to address high-efficiency removals of Hg, As, Zn, N, and other pollutants of concern, in addition to water quality needs met by common sand filtration, including total suspended solids. Recent work has demonstrated the capability of an additive iron–ozone catalytic oxidation process to the core reactive filtration technology platform to address micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals. Most recently, direct injection of frangible biochar into the reactive sand filter bed as a consumable reagent demonstrates a novel biochar water treatment technology in a platform that yields dose-dependent carbon negativity. In this work, the reactive filtration technology performance is reviewed from field pilot-scale to full-scale installation scenarios for nutrient removal and recovery applications. We also review the potential of the technology for nutrient recovery with the addition of biochar and micropollutant destructive removal with catalytic oxidation. Research exploration of this reactive filtration technology includes life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of this advanced water treatment technology. A recent LCA study of a pilot-scale field research and full-scale municipal system with over 2200 inventory elements shows a dose-dependent carbon negativity when biochar is injected into the process stream of reactive filtration. In this study, LCA demonstrates that reactive filtration has the potential as a negative emissions technology with −1.21 kg CO₂e/m³, where the negative contribution from the dosed biochar is −1.53 kg CO₂e/m³. In this biochar water treatment configuration, the system not only effectively removes pollutants from wastewater but also contributes to carbon sequestration and nutrient recovery for agriculture, making it a potentially valuable approach for sustainable water treatment. Full article

As the population increases, the growing demand for residential housing escalates construction activities, significantly impacting global warming by contributing 42% of primary energy use and 39% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study addresses a gap in research on lifecycle assessment (LCA) for Indian residential buildings by evaluating the full cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of a typical single-family house in Northern India. A BIM-based LCA framework was applied to a 110 m² single-family dwelling over a 60-year life span. Operational use performance and climate analysis was evaluated via cove tool. The total carbon footprint over a 60-year lifespan was approximately 5884 kg CO₂e, with operational energy use accounting for about 87% and embodied carbon approximately 11%. Additional impacts came from maintenance and replacements. Energy usage was calculated as 71.76 kWh/m²/year and water usage as 232.2 m³/year. Energy consumption was the biggest driver of emissions, but substantial impacts also stemmed from material production. Cement-based components and steel were the largest embodied carbon contributors. Under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, the operational emissions reach approximately 668,000 kg CO₂e with HVAC and 482,000 kg CO₂e without HVAC. The findings highlight the necessity of integrating embodied carbon considerations alongside operational energy efficiency in India’s building codes, emphasizing reductions in energy consumption and the adoption of low-carbon materials to mitigate the environmental impact of residential buildings. Future work should focus on the dynamic modeling of electricity decarbonization, improved regional datasets, and scenario-based LCA to better support India’s transition to net-zero emissions by 2070. Full article

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of life cycle assessments (LCAs) to explore the sustainability potential of mass timber buildings, focusing on glulam. The analysis highlights regional differences in carbon footprint performance within the ISO 14040 and EN 15978 frameworks. LCA results from representative countries across six continents show that wood buildings, compared to traditional materials, have a reduced carbon footprint. The geographical distribution of forest resources significantly influences the carbon footprint of glulam production. Europe and North America demonstrate optimal performance metrics (e.g., carbon sequestration), attributable to advanced technology and investment in long-term sustainable forest management. Our review research shows the lowest glulam carbon footprints (28–70% lower than traditional materials) due to clean energy and sustainable practices. In contrast, Asia and Africa exhibit systemic deficits, driven by resource scarcity, climatic stressors, and land-use pressures. South America and Oceania display transitional dynamics, with heterogeneous outcomes influenced by localized deforestation trends and conservation efficacy. Glulam buildings outperformed concrete and steel across 11–18 environmental categories, with carbon storage offsetting 30–47% of emissions and energy mixes cutting operational impacts by up to 67%. Circular strategies like recycling and prefabrication reduced end-of-life emissions by 12–29% and cut construction time and costs. Social benefits included job creation (e.g., 1 million in the EU) and improved well-being in wooden interiors. To further reduce carbon footprint disparities, this study emphasizes sustainable forest management, longer building lifespans, optimized energy mixes, shorter transport distances, advanced production technologies, and improved recycling systems. Additionally, the circular economy and social benefits of glulam buildings, such as reduced construction costs, value recovery, and job creation, are highlighted. In the future, prioritizing equitable partnerships and enhancing international exchanges of technical expertise will facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices in glulam buildings and advance decarbonization goals in the global building sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: All countries face a shortage of qualified nurses. Based on the social cognitive career theory (SCCT), it is assumed that individual and environmental aspects are interlinked and determinants in career choice and vocational behaviors. This study aims to determine if nursing students differ in their perceptions of nursing as a career. Furthermore, this study wants to determine if the students in a cluster differed in their outcome expectations, job satisfaction, and informal workplace learning. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods design consisting of two phases: the first involving a pre-study with experts (N = 10) and the second comprising a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The goal of the pre-study was to find relevant characteristics of the nursing profession. In a cross-sectional study with an online questionnaire, 230 nursing students (N = 230) participated. An inclusion criterion was that participants were enrolled in vocational training to become a nurse. In the questionnaire validated scales were used to ask participants about the characteristics of the nursing profession, their perceptions of nursing as a career, outcome expectations, informal workplace learning, and job satisfaction. Analysis: Data analysis included descriptive statistics (e.g., percentage distributions), hierarchical cluster analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The LCA results based on Schwarz’s BIC showed a two-cluster solution (Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) 251.984, Bayesian information criterion (BIC) 265.296, and adjusted Bayesian information criterion (aBIC) 252.622). The results of the ANOVA showed significant differences regarding outcome expectations (F = 22.738; <0.001), the perception of nursing as a career (F = 36.231; <0.001), and the engagement in informal workplace learning activities (F = 20.62; <0.001). For job satisfaction, no significant differences were found. Conclusions: Nursing vocational education and training is a vital socialization process in which supervisors can arrange a positive learning climate. Full article