Search Results (103)

The growing imperative to mitigate climate change and accelerate the shift toward energy sustainability has called for a critical evaluation of heat and electricity generation methods. This article presents a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of solar and biogas energy systems on a common basis of 1 kWh of useful energy using SimaPro, the ReCiPe 2016 methodology (both midpoint and endpoint indicators), and cumulative energy demand (CED) analysis. This study is the first to evaluate co-located solar PV, solar thermal compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) and biogas combined heat and power (CHP) systems with in situ data collected under identical climatic and operational conditions. The project costs yield levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) of INR 2.4/kWh for PV, 3.3/kWh for the solar thermal dish and 4.1/kWh for biogas. However, the collaborated findings indicate that neither solar-based systems nor biogas technology uniformly outperform the others; rather, their effectiveness hinges on contextual factors, including resource availability and local policy incentives. These insights will prove critical for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local communities seeking to develop effective, context-sensitive strategies for sustainable energy deployment, emissions reduction, and robust resource management. Full article

Additive manufacturing has recently become popular and more cost-effective for building construction. This study presents a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of 3D-printed foamed geopolymer composites (3D-FOAM materials) incorporating construction and demolition waste. The materials were developed using fly ash, slag, sand, and a foaming agent, with recycled clay brick waste (CBW) and autoclaved aerated concrete waste (AACW) added as alternative raw materials. The material formulations were evaluated for their compressive strength and thermal conductivity to define two functional units that reflect structural and thermal performance. A prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted under laboratory-scale conditions using the ReCiPe 2016 method. Results show that adding CBW and AACW reduces environmental impacts across several categories, including global warming potential and ecotoxicity, without compromising material performance. Compared to conventional wall systems, the 3D-FOAM materials offer a viable low-impact alternative when assessed on a functional basis. These findings highlight the potential of integrating recycled materials into additive manufacturing to support circular economy goals in the construction sector. Full article

This study systematically compares the environmental and economic performance of three wastewater treatment systems: constructed wetlands (CWs), microbial fuel cells (MFCs), and their integration (CW–MFC). Lab-scale units of each system were constructed using a multi-media matrix (gravel, zeolite, and granular activated carbon), composite native wetland species (Juncus effusus, Iris sp., and Typha angustifolia), carbon-based electrodes (graphite), and standard inoculum for CW and CW–MFC. The MFC system employed carbon-based electrodes and proton-exchange membrane. The experimental design included a parallel operation of all systems treating domestic wastewater under identical hydraulic and organic loading rates. Environmental impacts were quantified across construction and operational phases using life cycle assessment (LCA) with GaBi software 9.2, employing TRACI 2021 and ReCiPe 2016 methods, while techno-economic analysis (TEA) evaluated capital and operational costs. The key results indicate that CW demonstrates the lowest global warming potential (142.26 kg CO₂-eq) due to its reliance on natural biological processes. The integrated CW–MFC system achieved enhanced pollutant removal (82.8%, 87.13%, 78.13%, and 90.3% for COD, NO₃, TN, and TP) and bioenergy generation of 2.68 kWh, balancing environmental benefits with superior treatment efficiency. In contrast, the stand-alone MFC shows higher environmental burdens, primarily due to energy-intensive material requirements and fabrication processes. TEA results highlight CW as the most cost-effective solution (USD 627/m³), with CW–MFC emerging as a competitive alternative when considering environmental benefits and operational efficiencies (USD 718/m³). This study highlights the potential of hybrid systems, such as CW–MFC, to advance sustainable wastewater treatment technologies by minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing resource recovery, supporting their broader adoption in future water management strategies. Future research should focus on optimizing materials and energy use to improve scalability and feasibility. Full article

EU accession countries, including the Republic of Serbia, are under growing pressure to align their plastic waste management systems with EU environmental directives. Despite this, significant challenges remain, including inadequate infrastructure, a limited recycling capacity, and weak enforcement mechanisms. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging waste in Serbia, focusing on three end-of-life scenarios (EoL): landfilling, recycling, and incineration. Using GaBi Professional v6.0 software and the ReCiPe 2016 methodology, the results indicate that mismanaged PET waste contributes notably to terrestrial ecotoxicity (3.69 kg 1.4-DB eq.) and human toxicity (non-cancer) (2.36 kg 1.4-DB eq.). In 2023, 14,967.8 tons of PET were collected by authorized operators; however, unreported quantities likely end up in landfills or the natural environment. Beyond the quantified LCA results, this study highlights microplastic pollution as an emerging environmental concern. It advocates for the development of Serbia-specific characterization factors (CFs) for PET microplastics, incorporating localized fate, exposure, and effect data. Tailored CFs would enhance the precision of impact assessments for Serbian terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to more effective, evidence-based environmental policies. These insights are crucial for supporting Serbia’s transition to sustainable waste management and for meeting EU environmental standards. Full article

The increasing emphasis on integrating sustainability into corporate operations has prompted supply chain managers to incorporate not only economic objectives but also environmental and social considerations into their network designs. This study presents a structured six-stage methodology to develop a fuzzy multi-objective optimization model for the sustainable design of a multi-level, multi-product forward supply chain network. The model incorporates two conflicting objectives: minimizing total network costs and reducing environmental impact. To quantify environmental performance, a comprehensive life cycle assessment is conducted in accordance with the ISO 14040 standard and the ReCiPe 2016 method, focusing on three impact categories: human health, resources, and ecosystems. To address uncertainty in demand and production costs, fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming is employed. The model is validated and applied to a real-world case study of a dairy small-to-medium enterprise in Ecuador. Using the epsilon-constraint method, a Pareto frontier is generated to illustrate the trade-offs between the economic and environmental objectives. This research provides a robust decision-making tool for uncertain environments and advances knowledge on the integration of life cycle assessment with supply chain optimization and network design methodologies for sustainable development. Full article

The main objective of this study is to assess the environmental life cycle of the materials, components, and elements of a mono-Si photovoltaic power plant towards their sustainable development. Currently, photovoltaic installations are considered to be environmentally friendly systems that produce “green” energy. During their exploitation, no pollutants are emitted into the environment. However, the processes of manufacturing and post-used management of their materials, components and elements are associated with both high demand for energy and matter, as well as with emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, water, and soil. For this reason, from the perspective of the entire life cycle, photovoltaic power plants may contribute to the deterioration of human health, the reduction in the quality of the environment, and the depletion of non-renewable fossil resources. Due to these potential threats, it was considered appropriate to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment of a real 2 MW photovoltaic power plant located in northern Poland, in terms of compliance with the main assumptions of sustainable development. The analysis was conducted using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology (the ReCiPe 2016 model). Impacts on the environment was assessed in three areas: human health, ecosystem quality, and material resources. Two scenarios were adopted for the post-used management of materials, components, and elements: landfill disposal and recycling. Based on the conducted research, it was found that, among the assessed groups of photovoltaic power plant components (photovoltaic modules, supporting structure, inverter station, and electrical infra-structure), photovoltaic modules have the highest level of harmful impact on the environment (especially the manufacturing stage). The use of recycling processes at the end of their use would reduce their harmful impact over the entire life cycle of a photovoltaic power plant and better fit with the main principles of sustainable development. Full article

The growing need for healthy and sustainable food alternatives has led to a rapid increase in vegan burgers on the market. Specifically, plant-based burgers using legumes as a protein substitute are amongst the most widespread choices for consumers. While these products can offer environmental benefits over traditional meat-based options, further optimization in both ecological and economic aspects can be achieved. This study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) analysis to evaluate and optimize the environmental and economic life cycle of a legume-based vegan burger. LCA was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the ISO 14040 and 14044 series, and ReCiPe 2016 Hierarchist served as the impact assessment methodology. For this purpose, a base case scenario, relying on imported raw materials and conventional packaging for a legume-based vegan burger, was established to serve as the comparison benchmark, and various alternative scenarios were examined, focusing on minimizing the distance between cultivation and processing areas for key legume ingredients and improving packaging materials. The results indicate that reducing transportation distances for raw ingredients and using bio-polyethylene packaging significantly enhance sustainability. Specifically, the legume-based vegan burger of the base case scenario had a carbon footprint of 1.30 kg CO₂ eq. and a total life cycle cost of EUR 2.43 per two pieces. In contrast, the optimized scenario, which incorporated shorter transportation distances and bio-polyethylene packaging, achieved a carbon footprint of 0.51 kg CO₂ eq. and a reduced cost of EUR 2.37. The findings of the present work highlight the potential for further environmental and economic improvements in vegan burger production through logistics optimization and selection of climate-friendly packaging solutions, thus contributing to sustainable development. Full article

China is the world’s leading producer of molybdenum–copper concentrates, an industry noted for its high energy demand and considerable environmental burdens. This study applies a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment to the production of molybdenum–copper concentrate in the Lesser Khingan Mountains, utilizing the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint method coupled with Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis. The results indicate that human carcinogenic toxicity represents the greatest environmental risk, followed by marine and freshwater ecotoxicity. Contribution analysis reveals that the grinding stage is the dominant impact driver—particularly due to hexavalent chromium emissions—affecting carcinogenic risk, climate change potential, and fossil resource depletion. Scenario testing demonstrates that upgrading grinding technology, enhancing electricity efficiency, and substituting conventional energy with renewable sources can markedly mitigate these impacts. However, because of implementation barriers, such as high capital costs, retrofit downtime, and uncertainties in the supply chain, a pilot phase is necessary before deployment at full scale. Quantitatively, the production of one tonne of molybdenum–copper concentrate corresponds to 0.05 DALYs of human health damage, 1.11 × 10⁻⁴ species.year of ecological loss, and USD 3488.82 of resource depletion. These results provide constructive references for the sustainable development of the mining industry and contribute to achieving China’s dual carbon targets through energy transformation and low-carbon technological innovation. Full article

Among different kinds of renewable energy sources, ocean wave energy offers a promising source of low-carbon electricity. However, despite this potential, ocean wave energy systems can have notable environmental impacts, which remain underexplored. Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method that can be used to evaluate the environmental impact of these systems. But few LCAs have been conducted for wave energy converters (WECs), and no prior studies specifically address onshore oscillating water column (OWC) devices, leaving a clear gap in this field. This research provides a cradle-to-gate LCA for an OWC device, using the 500 kW LIMPET OWC plant, located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, as a case study. The assessment investigated the environmental impacts of the plant across 19 impact categories. OpenLCA 2.0 software was used for the analysis, with background data sourced from the Ecoinvent database version 3.8. The ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) methods were used for the impact assessment. The results revealed a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 56 kg CO₂ eq/kWh and a carbon payback period of 0.14 years. The energy payback period is significantly higher at 196 years, largely due to the plant’s inefficient energy capture and recurring operational failures reported. These findings highlight that although ocean wave energy is a renewable energy source, WEC’s efficiency and reliability are key factors for sustainable electricity generation. Furthermore, the findings conclude the need for selecting eco-friendly construction materials in OWC construction, namely chamber construction, and the advancement of energy-harnessing mechanisms, such as in Power Take-off (PTO) systems, to improve energy efficiency and reliability. Moreover, the importance of material recycling at the end-of-life stage, which was not accounted for in this cradle-to-gate analysis yet, is underscored for offsetting a portion of the associated environmental impacts. This research contributes novel insights into sustainable construction practices for OWC devices, offering valuable guidance for future wave energy converter designs. Full article

This study conducts a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analysis of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and gasoline vehicles (GVs) in Heilongjiang Province, China, under cold climate conditions and a coal dominated electricity grid. Environmental impacts were assessed using SimaPro with the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) method, while cost performance was evaluated over 5-, 10-, and 15-year ownership periods. Results show that BEVs offer lower total ownership costs than GVs, even without subsidies, primarily due to reduced energy and maintenance expenses. In terms of global warming potential, BEVs show a 4.52% reduction compared to GVs. However, BEVs demonstrate higher impacts in several non-climate categories—including ionizing radiation, particulate matter formation, eutrophication, toxicity, and water use—largely due to emissions from coal-based electricity. The derived grid emission factor of 1.498 kg CO₂/kWh underscores the critical role of regional energy structure. These findings suggest that while BEVs provide economic and climate benefits, their overall environmental performance is highly dependent on local grid carbon intensity and seasonal energy demand. Policy recommendations include accelerating grid decarbonization, improving cold weather efficiency, and incorporating multidimensional environmental indicators into transport planning. Full article

The usage of more than 30 billion straws a year has been reported in the European Union (EU), in 2020, one year before the official ban of single-use plastics in Europe. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and on our health are global and can be drastic. Since then, various alternative straws have emerged. This study assesses their effectiveness, primarily from an environmental perspective, to determine the best option among those available. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted using ReCiPe 2016 methodology and ISO 14040/44 standards, alongside a preliminary cost analysis and a consumer preference survey. The findings reveal that wheat straws demonstrated the lowest overall environmental impact, with a climate change contribution of only 0.0568 kg CO₂ eq. per year, while plastic straws showed the lowest cost at EUR 0.30 per year but contributed 0.084 kg CO₂ eq. Metallic straws, despite being reusable, had the highest washing-related emissions, with 85% of their annual impact (~0.169 kg CO₂ eq.) attributed to dishwashing. Paper and bioplastic alternatives showed up to 2.5 times higher climate impacts than plastic. Cost-wise, bamboo straws reached EUR 7.97/year, while silicone and metal straws were more economically favorable at EUR 1.17 and EUR 2.81, respectively. The consumer survey highlighted that 85% of users preferred traditional plastic straws, but 76% were open to reusable alternatives. From a socio-economic point of view, cost seems to play a minor role. However, consumers’ preferences towards the new products and their awareness of health and environmental risks are very significant factors affecting their approval of new alternatives and their displeasure towards traditional straw elimination. Full article

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its life cycle, from material extraction to end-of-life, considering factors such as global warming, acidification, and toxicity. However, despite its significant health effects, noise has not yet been incorporated into the LCA. This study integrates noise impact into the LCA to assess and compare alternative structural designs for Australian high-rise residential and commercial buildings. Three scenarios were analysed: (1) reinforced concrete frames, (2) hybrid timber designs using engineered wood (e.g., cross-laminated timber and Glulam), and (3) steel-frame structures. The system boundary spans cradle to grave, with a 100-year lifespan. Material quantities were extracted from BIM software 2024 (Revit Architecture) for accuracy. The ReCiPe 2016 method converted inventory data into impact indicators, while noise impact was assessed using Highly Annoyed People (HAP) and Highly Sleep-Deprived People (HSDP). The results show that commercial buildings have more significant environmental impacts than residential structures due to their higher material usage. Steel frames generally exhibit the highest environmental impact, while concrete structures contribute most to noise effects. The total noise-integrated impact ranks as steel > concrete > timber. Additionally, noise accounts for up to 33% of the total impact on densely populated areas but remains negligible in low-population regions. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating noise into the LCA for a more holistic assessment of sustainable building designs. Full article

In the context of growing environmental concerns and the demand for more sustainable manufacturing practices, this study evaluates the environmental and economic performance of two production routes for a stainless steel support block used in steel mills. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) were conducted to assess a conventional subtractive manufacturing process based on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining versus a hybrid approach that combines Plasma Arc-Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (PA-WAAM) with CNC finishing. The LCA was carried out using ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint and Endpoint methodologies in SimaPro, while the LCC employed a cradle-to-gate cost model. Results showed that the hybrid WAAM-CNC route reduced average environmental impacts by 49% across 18 categories and decreased steel consumption by approximately 70% due to near-net-shape fabrication. Although the hybrid method incurred an approximate 3.5 times increase in unit production cost, this was primarily attributed to equipment investment. In contrast, operational costs such as labor, materials, and consumables were significantly lower—by 66%, 28%, and 45%, respectively. These findings support the hybrid approach as a more sustainable manufacturing alternative with the potential for long-term cost optimization as additive technologies mature. Full article

This study assesses the environmental impacts of producing 1000 tinplate aerosol cans at a Portuguese packaging company using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The inventory analysis is based on real industrial data collected from the company for foreground processes, complemented with the literature data for background processes. Two energy scenarios are compared: the current production setup, which relies on electricity from the Portuguese grid and 100% natural gas, and an optimized renewable energy scenario powered entirely by photovoltaic electricity, with thermal energy supplied by a mix of 20% green hydrogen and 80% natural gas. The ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (E) method was applied to assess 18 environmental impact categories. For the production of 1000 cans, the associated impacts are as follows: 287.11 kg CO₂ eq for GWP, 1.01 × 10⁻⁴ kg CFC-11 eq for ODP, 16.52 kBq Co-60 eq for IRP, 51.59 kg 1,4-DCB for FETP, 0.69 kg PM_2.5 eq for PMFP, 77.20 kg oil eq for FFP, and 2.57 m³ for WCP. Tinplate exhibits the highest environmental burden across most impact categories, particularly in HTPc (96%) and SOP (98%). Offset aluminum printing plates have the greatest impact on FETP (33%), while wood pallets significantly contribute to LOP (81%). The renewable energy scenario resulted in significant reductions in IRP (60.9%), LOP (50.3%), ODP (39.8%), FFP (26.1%), and GWP (24.4%). However, it also led to notable increases in other impact categories, including FETP (135.3%), METP (130.8%), FEP (128.8%), MEP (114.3%), HTPnc (112.0%), SOP (107.8%), TETP (103.4%), and WCP (75.2%), primarily due to green hydrogen production and photovoltaic systems. Among the renewable options, wind electricity stands out as the most environmentally favorable choice for hydrogen production, outperforming both photovoltaic and hydroelectricity. Full article

The explosion of plastic waste generation, approaching 400 million tons per year, has created a worldwide environmental crisis that conventional waste management systems cannot handle. This problem can be solved through gasification, which converts nonrecyclable plastics to syngas with potential applications in electricity generation and synthetic fuel production. This study investigates whether syngas production from plastic waste by gasification is environmentally and economically feasible. Environmental impacts were assessed through a life cycle assessment framework using a life cycle impact assessment approach, ReCiPe 2016, with 10 midpoint/endpoint categories. Midpoint results of the baseline scenario with grid-mix electricity revealed climate change (GWP) of 775 kg CO₂ equivalent and fossil depletion potential (FDP) of 311 kg oil equivalent per ton of plastic waste. Meanwhile, a solar scenario showed GWP as 435 kg CO₂ equivalent and FDP as 166 kg oil equivalent per ton of plastic waste. Switching to solar energy cut GWP 44% and FDP 47%, respectively. However, the tradeoffs were higher human toxicity potential (HTP) and marine ecotoxicity potential (METP) due to upstream material extraction of renewable systems, respectively. Among environmental performance drivers, electricity inputs and operating materials were identified through sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. Syngas production from a plant of 50 tons per day can yield electricity sales revenue of USD 4.79 million, excluding USD 4.05 million in operational expenditures. Financial indicators like a 2.06-year payback period, USD 5.32 million net present value over a 20-year project life, and 38.2% internal rate of return indicate the profitability of the system. An external cost analysis showed emissions-related costs of USD 26.43 per ton of plastic waste processed, dominated by CO₂ and NO_x emissions. Despite these costs, the avoided impacts of less landfilling/incineration and electricity generation support gasification. Gasification should be promoted as a subsidy and incentive by policymakers for wider adoption and integration into municipal waste management systems. Findings show it can be adapted to global sustainability goals and circular economy principles while delivering strong economic returns. The study findings also contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for instance, SDG 7 by promoting clean energy technologies, SDG 12 by implementing circular economy, and SDG 13 by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Full article