Search Results (195)

Societies are aiming to have a higher ecological consciousness in wastewater treatment operations and achieve a more sustainable future. With this said, global demands for larger quantities of resources and the consequent waste generated will inevitably lead to the exhaustion of current municipal wastewater treatment works. The utilization of biosolids (particularly microbial proteins) from wastewater treatment operations could generate a sustainable bio-adhesive for the wood industry, reduce carbon footprint, mitigate health concerns related to the use of carcinogenic components, and support a more circular economic option for wastewater treatment. A techno-economic analysis for three 10 MGD wastewater treatment operations producing roughly 11,300 dry pounds of biosolids per day, in conjunction with co-feedstock defatted soy flour protein at varying ratios (i.e., 0%, 15%, and 50% wet weight), was conducted. Aspen Capital Cost Estimator V12 was used to design and estimate installed equipment additions for wastewater treatment plant integration into an urban biorefinery process. Due to the mechanical attributes and market competition, the chosen selling prices of each adhesive per pound were set for analysis as USD 0.75 for Plant Option P1, USD 0.85 for Plant Option P2, and USD 1.00 for Plant Option P3. Over a 20-year life, each plant option demonstrated economic viability with high NPVs of USD 107.9M, USD 178.7M, and USD 502.2M and internal rates of return (IRRs) of 24.0%, 29.0%, and 44.2% respectively. The options examined have low production costs of USD 0.14 and USD 0.19 per pound, minimum selling prices of USD 0.42–USD 0.51 per pound, resulting in between 2- and 4-year payback periods. Sensitivity analysis shows the effects biosolid production fluctuations, raw material market price, and adhesive selling price have on economics. The results proved profitable even with large variations in the feedstock and raw material prices, requiring low market selling prices to reach the hurdle rate of examination. This technology is economically enticing, and the positive environmental impact of waste utilization encourages further development and analysis of the bio-adhesive process. Full article

The export expansion of wood forest products (WFPs) generates substantial socio-economic benefits. Unfortunately, the WFP manufacturing industry frequently experiences challenges in accessing finance and high financing costs. Since profit scramble between financial sector and real economy sectors has become a critical global concern, it is worth investigating how banking sector profits (BSPs) impact WFPs’ export margins, and whether a “financial concession” policy can mitigate or amplify this effect. Drawing on over four million trade records from China’s Customs Database and the United Nations Trade and Business Database, this study quantifies the WFPs’ export margins of 31 provinces in Mainland China to 184 countries during 2007–2022. Then it assesses the effects of regional BSP on the WFPs’ export margins. The results indicate that the extensive, intensive, and quantity margins of WFPs’ export exhibit an overall upward trend with fluctuations, while the price margin has shown steady growth since 2016. Regional BSP has significant negative effects on the extensive, intensive, and quantity margins. The observed upward trend of WFPs’ export margins implies that low BSP may facilitate export growth of WFPs. Further heterogeneity analysis indicates that the BSPs’ negative impact is more pronounced for labor-intensive WFPs’ exports. China’s “financial concession” policy effectively mitigates the BSPs’ adverse effects. Moderation effect analysis demonstrates that a larger number of bank institution outlets, a higher share of rural bank institution outlets, and the development of digital finance significantly reduce the BSPs’ negative effects. Full article

Consumer preferences in interior design are increasingly shaped by sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. Wood flooring, valued for its natural appeal and durability, remains a preferred option, yet little research has explored perceptions specific to the Croatian market. This study investigates consumer behavior and preferences for wood flooring in Croatia, focusing on decision-making drivers, preferred materials and attributes, and differences between consumer and expert perspectives. Data were collected from 157 respondents via structured questionnaires using snowball sampling, focusing on their preferences, purchasing behavior, and evaluation of wood flooring attributes. The results were analyzed using the AHP and CRITIC methods to assess and compare the relative importance of nine selected product attributes from both consumer and expert perspectives. By integrating subjective and objective evaluations, the study offers insights into how both consumers and professionals assess wood flooring. The findings indicate a strong preference for classic, natural wood flooring, especially massive and multilayer parquet, driven by aesthetic appeal, quality, and durability. Although sustainability was positively viewed, it was not a top purchasing criterion. Notable differences in attribute prioritization were found between consumers and experts, particularly regarding price and prestige. The combined weights, which integrate consumer and expert evaluations, indicate that product quality, liability for damages, and durability are the most valued attributes, while price, ease of installation, and prestige are the least influential. Additionally, the findings aim to support manufacturers and retailers in aligning their strategies with market needs and advancing sustainable consumption practices. Full article

Significant shortfalls in meeting the climate mitigation targets and volatile energy markets make evident the need for an urgent transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. However, the integration of zero-carbon fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia is an immense project and will take time and the construction of new infrastructure. It is during this transitional period that lower-carbon natural gas alternatives are essential. In this study, the industrial sectors of Lithuania are analysed based on their energy consumption. The industrial sectors that are the most energy-intensive are food, chemical, and wood-product manufacturing. Synthetic natural gas (SNG) has become a viable substitute, and biomethane has also become viable given a feedstock price of 21 EUR/MWh in the twelfth year of operation and 24 EUR/MWh in the eighth year, assuming an electricity price of 140 EUR/MWh and a natural gas price of 50 EUR/MWh. Nevertheless, the scale of investment in hydrogen production is comparable to the scale of investment in the production of other chemical elements; however, hydrogen production is constrained by its high electricity demand—about 3.8 to 4.4 kWh/Nm³—which makes it economically viable only at negative electricity prices. This analysis shows the techno-economic viability of biomethane and the SNG as transition pathways towards a low-carbon energy future. Full article

Many popular alcoholic beverages, such as Brazilian sugar cane spirit (cachaça), are aged in wood casks to achieve a smoother and more pleasant taste. The type of wood plays an important role in improving the quality of the spirit, with oak being the most widely used. Due to its elevated price and poor local availability, oak has been gradually replaced in Brazil by other woods, such as Amburana cearensis (Amburana), Cariniana legalis (Jequitibá), Hymenaea courbaril (Jatobá), and Ocotea odorifera (Cinnamon sassafras). For general purposes in beverage quality control and wood identification, and using ethanol/water extracts (cachaça 47% v/v) as a model, this article describes the construction of a low-cost electronic nose that quickly identifies the wood species that was used for aging a cachaça sample. The nose is made of an array of four chemoresistive conductive polymer gas sensors. Principal component and leave-one-out analyses showed perfect classification of all tested samples. Full article

The main objective of energy balance analysis is to guide farmers in making informed decisions that promote the efficient management of natural resources, optimise the use of agricultural inputs, and improve the overall economic performance of their farms. In addition, it supports the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop diversification, the use of renewable energy sources, and the recycling of agricultural by-products and residues into natural energy sources or fertilisers. This paper analyses the variation in energy efficiency between 2019 and 2022 of the main crops in Angola: maize, soybean, and rice, and the forest production of eucalyptus biomass in agroforestry farms. The research was based on the responses to interviews conducted with the managers of the farms regarding the machinery used, fuels and lubricants, labour, seeds, phytopharmaceuticals, and fertilisers. The quantities are gathered by converting data into Megajoules (MJ). The results show variations in efficiency and energy balance. In corn, efficiency fluctuated between 1.32 MJ in 2019 and 1.41 MJ in 2020, falling to 0.94 MJ in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before rising to 1.31 MJ in 2022. For soybeans, the energy balance went from a deficit of −8223.48 MJ in 2019 to a positive 11,974.62 MJ in 2022, indicating better use of resources. Rice stood out for its high efficiency, reaching 81,541.33 MJ in 2021, while wood production showed negative balances, evidencing the need for more effective strategies. This research concludes that understanding the energy balance of agricultural operations in Angola is essential not only to achieve greater sustainability and profitability but also to strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems against external factors such as climate change, fluctuations in input prices, and economic crises. A comprehensive understanding of the energy balance allows farmers to assess the true cost-effectiveness of their operations, identify energy inefficiencies, and implement more effective strategies to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impacts. Full article

Hybrid building construction, in which the steel frame is filled with modular panels made of wood, is a relatively new technical solution. This type of structure allows the integration of large window surfaces. The aim of this study is to indicate the optimal glazing system, taking into account energy consumption, thermal comfort and economic indicators. A house made using new hybrid technology with an area of 152.4 m², located in Bialystok (Northeastern Poland) and in Kiruna (Northern Sweden), was selected as the reference object. Energy simulations of this building were performed with DesignBuilder v. 6.1.8.021 software. Due to the large format of the glazing, the assessment of the thermal environment was performed using the PMV index. An economic analysis aimed at selecting the optimal type of glazing was carried out. It was based on the most commonly used indicators such as LCC, NPV and IRR. The results of this study indicated that the selection of triple-glazed windows in the reference house reduced energy demand by over 22% for Bialystok and about 24% for Kiruna compared to double-glazed windows. Even greater effects can be achieved by using quadruple-glazed windows, as they provide energy savings of 36% and 39%, respectively, for these locations. The results of the analysis performed for a 2% increase in energy prices showed that triple and quadruple windows had a similar LCC value when the discount rate was lower than 2.5% for the Bialystok site. Quadruple-glazed windows were the best option for the Kiruna site when the discount rate was less than 5%. This research study found that, assuming a stable financial situation and a small increase in energy prices, it is recommended to use triple-glazed windows in the climate of Northeastern Poland. In more severe weather conditions, for example those characteristic of the area of Northern Sweden, quadruple-glazed windows are recommended. Full article

Plant biomass is playing a key role in the development of renewable energy sources. The share of biomass in renewable energy sources is about 70% in Poland and more than 40% in the European Union (EU). To assess the competitive position of farms selling plant biomass including straw and wood, including both future opportunities and threats, we conducted research on 185 farms in 2022. The aim of the research was to assess the usage of plant biomass, with the aim of increasing its position compared to other renewable energy sources. We used tabular, graph and descriptive methods to present the research results. Moreover, the Dornik–Hansen test (p = 0.003), Shapiro–Wilk test (p = 0.0017), Lilliefors test (p = 0.000) and Jargue–Berra test (p = 0.008) results show the significance of the research. The most important factors shaping the increased prices of biomass were the availability of raw materials on the market, totaling 41.1%, and calorific value, totaling 17.6%. Looking at the data, it can be seen that the most popular renewable energy technologies in which respondents plan to invest is photovoltaics (57.8%) and biomass (17.6%). According to the respondents, the most profitable renewable energy sources are photovoltaics (38.4%), wind energy (23%) and biogas (16.2%). Farmers also pointed out the most ecologically friendly, renewable energy sources. According to the respondents, the most ecologically friendly, renewable energy sources were wind energy (32.2%), photovoltaics (25.3%) and water energy plants (20.7%). The most frequently indicated limitations of biomass production were the long payback period (19.2%) and high investment costs (18.9%). The most important threat to biomass production was the shortage of arable land (32.5%) and poor farmland (23.5%). These results show that policymakers should adjust laws to encourage farmers to invest in biomass as a renewable energy source. Photovoltaics, which is considered a very clean renewable energy source, faces a big task in cleaning rural areas. Full article

In this study, the CO₂ reduction benefits of wind energy in the transition towards a carbon-neutral energy system are explored. The marginal benefits of wind energy in replacing CO₂ emissions in electricity generation are gradually declining as carbon-emission-reduction targets are fulfilled. However, there is still the potential to reduce emissions by replacing fossil fuels in other energy sectors via electrification. Using the Finnish TIMES-VTT energy system model, this study simulates the impacts of different wind energy scenarios between 2030 and 2050, analyzing the effects of adding or removing 5 TWh of wind energy on power generation. Our findings indicate that the reduction benefits of wind energy vary over time, stemming initially from the generation of electricity but they are increasingly being driven by electrification through lowered electricity prices, and fuel switching, like the replacement of bioenergy in heating and fuel production. Between the years 2030 and 2050, an average marginal emission reduction of 180–270 gCO₂eq/kWh was seen, rising to 250–320 gCO₂eq/kWh if the impact on reduced carbon sinks through wood chip use was taken into account. Issues using marginal, substitution impacts from simulations are discussed; however, no straightforward methods for capturing the cumulative benefits of assets over their lifetime exist. In transitioning towards a net-zero-carbon energy system, other issues like costs, land use, and social aspects will become more relevant than emission substitution. Full article

Various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) set themselves goals to become carbon neutral through the implementation of different reduction strategies such as the replacement of fossil-fueled vehicles with electric cars. However, even if all reduction measures are taken, residual GHG emissions will still remain. Therefore, most HEIs have to compensate for the remaining emissions by, for example, buying carbon credits. However, due to growing criticism of carbon credit purchases, HEIs need to explore options for establishing carbon sinks on their own premises to offset their remaining, unavoidable emissions. This study aimed to assess the CO₂ footprint of Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU) as an exemplary HEI, identify emission hot-spots, and investigate the potential of biomass utilization for achieving carbon neutrality or even negative emissions. The analysis found that HGU’s main emissions were scope 1 emissions, primarily caused by on-site heat supply. The research determined that conversion to a wood chip-based heating system alone was insufficient to achieve climate neutrality, but this goal could be achieved through additional carbon dioxide removal (CDR). By operating a pyrolysis-based bivalent heating system, the study demonstrated that heat demand could be covered while producing sufficient C-sink certificates to transform HGU into the first carbon-negative HEI, at a comparable price to conventional combustion systems. Surplus C-sink certificates could be made available to other authorities or ministries. The results showed that bivalent heating systems can play an important role in HEI transitions to CO₂ neutrality by contributing significantly to the most urgent challenge of the coming decades: removing CO₂ from the atmosphere to limit global warming to as far below 2 °C as possible at nearly no extra costs. Full article

This study examines the qualities and potential uses of various types of biomass as fuel, focusing on wood pellets, sunflower husk pellets and mixed pellets. The primary objective is to analyze the thermal and energy properties of these pellets in order to evaluate their efficiency and acceptance by consumers in the Bulgarian market. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are employed, revealing that the processes of drying and volatile substance release are accompanied by energy absorption, with combustion being the main stage where most heat is generated. The results show that wood pellets have 7.31% moisture, 0.72% ash and a calorific value of 18.33 kJ/kg; sunflower husk pellets have 7.62% moisture, 2.42% ash and a calorific value of 19.63 kJ/kg; and mixed pellets have 7.07% moisture, 0.69% ash and a calorific value of 18.05 kJ/kg. These findings indicate that the pellets achieve efficient combustion with minimal mass loss. The conducted marketing research reveals that Bulgarian consumers prefer wood and mixed pellets for their efficiency, although sunflower husk pellets are more affordable. Key factors influencing consumer choice include price, which is important for 51% of the respondents, and quality, prioritized by 34%. The conclusion of this study is that pellets are a promising energy source with good environmental and economic characteristics, and the results can contribute to the development of more efficient fuels adapted to the needs of the market and consumers. Full article

Hardwood has a variety of applications and can be used for low-value products, such as firewood, or for high-value applications, achieving significantly higher prices. Therefore, assessing the quality of raw material is essential for allocating the wood to the most suitable end use. The aim of this study was to explore the use of the photogrammetry technique to determine dimensional characteristics and perform remote visual grading of round oak timber stored at a log yard. The results of the visual classification were then compared with non-destructive acoustic measurements to assess their level of agreement. Based on the point cloud obtained from photogrammetry, logs were classified into three quality groups according to the European standard for round timber grading. The diameter measurements of the logs obtained through the photogrammetry survey were comparable to those taken manually, with an average difference of 0.46 cm and a mean absolute error of 2.1 cm compared to field measurements. However, the log lengths measured from the 3D survey were, on average, 5 cm shorter than those obtained using a measuring tape. The visual classification performed on the 3D reconstruction was based on the evaluation of log size, knots, buckles, and sweep, resulting in 39%, 27%, and 24% of the pieces being grouped into the high-, medium-, and low-quality classes, respectively. Acoustic measurements, performed using both resonance and time-of-flight (ToF) methods, were highly correlated with each other and successfully distinguished the three quality classes only when sweep was excluded from the classification criteria. When curvature was also considered as a parameter for log grading, acoustic velocity only differentiated the lowest quality class from the other two. Full article

Hainan Island has rich water resources and unique lake ecosystems. Organically connecting lakes and wetlands with forest ecosystems should be considered in order to strengthen biodiversity protection, form a continuous green corridor to promote species migration and gene exchange, and enhance the stability and resilience of the overall ecological system and maximize its benefits. The method of linear programming was used in this study to analyze the forest ecosystem on Hainan Island in China in order to provide a scientific basis for the integration, protection and management of lakes, wetlands and forests. This study points out that the ratio of the area of timber forest, protection forest, special-purpose forest and bamboo forest should be adjusted from the current 68:22.9:7.1:1.8 to 24:72.8:2.5:0.6. The average shadow price of the reasonable use of different forest lands on Hainan Island is 2512.46 CNY/ha and the optimal value of special-purpose forest is 4376.04 CNY/ha, rather than the current 6888.50 CNY/ha. This study also shows that the timber forest, special-purpose forest and bamboo forest on Hainan Island are short-term products, while protection forest, wood-fuel forest, economic forest, open forest land, shrub land, young afforested land and non-forest land are long-term products, for which it is not easy to obtain benefits in the short-term. A combination of long- and short-term forest ecological planning should be considered to maintain the various long-term benefits. This study finally proposes that Hainan Island should reduce its proportion of timber forest area; increase its proportion of protection forest area; focus on the integrated development of lakes, wetlands and forests and biodiversity conservation goals; and pay close attention to the adjustment of forest type structure in order to meet the needs of ecological province construction and sustainable development. Full article

It is currently essential to seek innovative solutions for sustainability and the efficient use of resources, rooted in bioeconomy principles and linked to the concepts of the circular economy. Technological innovations supporting the production of wood–plastic composites, using recycled materials, reduce the ecological footprint. The aim of the study was to present conclusions of the evaluation of the business plan concept’s effectiveness and to propose applications of traditional and innovative cost calculations resulting from the implementation of technological innovations in the production of wood–plastic composites in the forest-based sector in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. Using dynamic methods for evaluating business plan net present value, profitability index, internal rate of return, and discounted payback period, positive recommendations for project rentability were identified under both realistic and pessimistic scenarios. By applying traditional markup calculation, material cost savings of EUR 3.99/m³ were quantified, representing a relative saving of over 2% compared to traditional particle board. Verification of alternative machine hour rate calculation allows for more precise allocation of overhead costs into product pricing and provides the ability to respond swiftly to changes in input parameters. The findings have practical implications for the forest-based sector, as the use of recycled plastics can reduce production costs and increase the competitiveness of production. Full article

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are interesting materials as the biobased content is determined by the inclusion of wood particles regenerated from residual wood sources or biomass products. At present, the aim is to increase the wood content in WPCs above 60%, while it is currently limited to around 40%. The rationale behind this is based on the need for an increase in the performance of WPCs, the relatively cheap price of wood and the aim to augment the biobased content. Most studies are presently carried out with a maximum of 50% wood particles (preferably ranging from around 30 to 40%), while there are only very few sources where the wood concentration is increased to 70%. The formulations are not yet optimized and there are problems in interface compatibility, leading to weak mechanical properties. Problems in the augmentation of the wood content have to be further controlled, e.g., aggregation, dimensional stability and water absorption. Alternative approaches for the treatment of wood chips before (or during) compounding with the polymer matrix should therefore be developed. As the water resistance is mainly related to the control of the surface properties of the hydroscopic wood particles, possible solutions should consider the better protection of the individual wood particles’ surfaces against water ingress, the better development of the wood–polymer interface and the prevention of the formation of a continuous network with contacting wood particles. Therefore, this overview suggests various processing routes together with their industrial potential based on various sources from the literature, including the effects of compatibilizers and additives, the spray coating of wood particles, chemical pretreatment, physical modifications and the thermal treatment of wood fillers. Full article